THE FIGHT to save a half-mile stretch of trees lining the West Coast main line in Kendal has been lost after Network Rail reversed its decision to spare them from the chop in the wake of recent gales.

Ironically, only a few of the dozen or so trees under threat from the axe after they were deemed dangerous had fallen during recent gales that saw winds of around 80mph batter the town.

But in an email sent to campaigner Chris Japser, of Cherry Tree Lane, Network Rail said the roots of the trees, which line the busy railway track near Sedbergh Road, had been so weakened by the storms that they were too dangerous to leave standing.

The email went on to say that the trees, some of which have been drastically cut back, posed a risk to the travelling public and nearby homes.

Mr Jasper, who won a three-week reprieve for some of the trees after successfully lobbying Network Rail, said he was shocked at the sudden shift in opinion.

A letter sent to residents notifying them of felling work over the festive period had claimed that the trees did not pose a risk to the railway line and that any felling was being carried out to protect nearby homes.

A "disgusted" Mr Jasper now believes Network Rail had misled him over the trees many of which are located away from homes and offered natural screening for residents.

"There is no logic to this Network Rail have taken the easy way out as far as I'm concerned," he said.

"One minute they are not at risk of falling onto the line, the next they are. And this felling comes at a time when Cumbria has lost so many trees anyway."

Mr Jasper also questioned whether the drastic cutting back of the trees, which left many resembling stumps, had played a part in them becoming unfit to be left standing.

Keith Lumley, spokesman for Network Rail, confirmed that the recent storms were to blame for the decision and not the company. He said the trees were condemned following a visit by a Network Rail engineer last Thursday.

The felling, which was set to have been completed earlier this month, is expected to be finished over the coming weeks.