Mrs McCafferty recently visited the site with local residents to see the extent of the felling and as a result, has written a strongly-worded letter to Network Rail demanding to know why residents, the local MP and the local council were not consulted, and why work of such severity has been carried out.

In her letter, Mrs McCafferty says: "I appreciate the need for diseased and dangerous trees to be felled, but many healthy trees were also cut down. Residents believe this wholesale deforestation may have the effect of de-stabilising the hillside with consequences for both the railway and the road, should the land slip.

"I am concerned about what has happened in both my constituency and the neighbouring constituency of Halifax. Particularly as I understand that 'clear-felling' is the national policy of Network Rail and I would be grateful if you could confirm whether or not this is the case.

"I would also appreciate it, if you would let me know the number of occasions, and where this approach has been applied.

"I would also be grateful for your explanation of the lack of consultation on this occasion and your assurance that there will be full consultation the next time work has to be done which will affect the environment and local residents."

Mrs McCafferty has been in touch with both Iain Croucher, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, and local management. She adds: "In addition to the impact on the environment, the wooded area also provided a measure of security to deter young people from getting onto the line. I think that Network Rail need to urgently consider an appropriate re-planting scheme to improve the environment, reduce the chance of land slippage, and provide a barrier to the line."