The birds and bees have been blamed for the removal of trees and shrubs on Hogarth Roundabout in preparation for repairs to the flyover.
There was an uproar from Chiswick’s residents who witnessed the vegetation being pulled up from the roundabout over the past week and they would not be calmed after Transport for London (TfL) explained it was necessary to ensure birds did not nest in the trees before they start works on the flyover over the roundabout in the summer.
The vegetation, which spruced up an otherwise dreary roundabout, has only been there for 10 years and was planted at considerable cost. TfL said they would replace the trees and shrubs but there is no guarantee they will be the same plants which have just been removed.
A letter to residents sent on February 14 from TfL, said: “The vegetation removal is necessary to allow us to undertake preparatory works in advance of the renewal of the bridge deck and parapets. This is being done in advance of the nesting season to ensure that any nesting birds are not disturbed. TfL will reinstate the planted areas when all the works have been completed.”
People living near the roundabout are not happy with their explanation. Chris Moore, of Hammersmith Terrace, in Chiswick Mall, said: “That’s absolute nonsense! I’ve lived here for years and I’ve never seen a bird nesting on the roundabout, what bird would want to nest in the middle of all that traffic. Nobody’s going to believe the reason.”
His wife, children’s author, Lotte Moore added that with work going on in the summer on Hammersmith Flyover as well, it would be a nightmare.
“Putney Bridge is going to be closed for a year, Hammersmith Bridge is closed going one way at the moment and Hammersmith Flyover is having major works so we won’t be able to get out.
“We use Hogarth Roundabout about five times a day to get out of our house and now it’s going to be a constant traffic jam, it’s absolutely shocking, I’m horrified.”
