01 Mar 2025
The destruction of dozens of trees at Park Street roundabout has been restricted following intervention by a county councillor and local resident.
The work was part of road modifications for the controversial strategic rail freight development, but neighbours said the trees and vegetation reduce noise, light and emissions pollution, and provided a vital environment for local wildlife.
But after a number of meetings on site between Cllr Sandy Walkington, rail freight activist Andy Love and representatives of Segro and their contractor VolkerFitzpatrick – followed by lengthy calls to Herts highways – they managed to redraw the line of destruction.
As a result of their actions, some of the signature trees and the screen of trees nearest to people’s homes will be preserved on the lower end of St Julian’s Hill.
Sandy said: “Initial plans showed all the trees within the highway boundary being taken down. This would have left the residents of the neighbouring Tithe Barn estate horribly exposed to light and noise pollution.
“It still looks a terrible mess. Residents have asked why almost all the trees on the roundabout itself have been removed. This is because the remodelled roundabout will cover a smaller area and the drainage system for the converging highways will be located there.
“It now looks like actual construction will not begin until autumn at the earliest. In the meantime we will be pressing for new trees to be planted.”
Sandy is also pushing for a 50mph speed limit on all approaches, including the former M10.
He said: “This will improve safety and also reduce engine and tyre noise which affect a large area of south St Albans.
“I pay huge tribute to local resident Andy Love who joined me in many of the meetings and acted as a key channel of information.
“Of course this extraordinary destruction is only the beginning. The new warehouses when built will make Heathrow Terminal 5 look like a dinky toy. Make no mistake, the south side of St Albans will be changed for ever. But saving these trees is a small victory out of the wreckage.”
Andy added: “In light of residents’ concerns, Highways and the developer have revisited the design of the planned new roundabout layout and made a revision to the roundabout scheme in this section, resulting in saving many trees from being completely removed.
“During our recent meetings with the contractor, developer and Highways we’ve also managed to discuss other concerns about the roundabout including the pedestrian/cyclist underpass that links the A5183. The underpass is often flooded, dirty and isn’t well lit.
“We pointed out that school children use this underpass and it really needs to be made safer for everyone who has to use it.
“They have promised to seriously consider these concerns when making the makeover of the underpass as it will have a cycle/pedestrian connection with the SRFI site.
“I can only thank the St Albans Times for covering both these stories because this has obviously helped in achieving a great outcome for residents living very close to the Park Street roundabout.”
