These are pictures of the alterations made to the embankment by the railway company's clearance contractors. They were also, in part, responsible for the above fencing. They liaised with the nearby primary school, to choose a colour and, what we have now is a result of that meeting.

A pathway/driveway runs along the entire length of the fence. This was a gentle and peaceful place, which was pleasing to the eye. In many ways it resembled a typical country lane. The embankment lush with foliage of varying shades of green, punctuated by wildflowers, including Fireweed. Blackberries, Bittersweet, Ivy, Bindweed, Morning Glory and many others weaved themselves through the lattice-weave fencing, (supported at intervals by concrete pilars).

 

This photo was taken on the opposite side of the same embankment, on 29th April 2004. Until recently, it was like this, on both sides - until the Railway company and the Primary School met to discuss alterations. Ferry Lane residents who had enjoyed the spot for many years were not consulted. The result of the meeting: the embankment on the school side was flattened, wildlife habitat lost and a multi-coloured fence erected along the entire length.

The railway embankment by the pathway/driveway was always a mass of dense greenery. It teamed with life. Birds could be heard chirping in the foliage. What remains now is a flattened bank. Even a mature and healthy apple tree was chopped down, to ground level

The webmaster never expected anything to happen to this spot. It all happened so fast.

---