PLANS to chop down dozens of mature trees from a railway embankment have been put on hold after a last-minute meeting.

Homeowners living in Kings Avenue, Woodford Green demanded a meeting with Transport for London after being given just 10 days notice of the work on the section of track which borders their gardens.

And after discussions with TfL and a representative of local MP Iain Duncan Smith, the work has been delayed.

TfL say it is necessary to cut down most of the trees so that a piled wall can be put in place to secure the embankment.

But residents say the woodland provides a natural screen from the Central line tracks and fear the value of their homes will be hit by the work.

Following yesterday’s meeting TfL have agreed to a walkthrough of the woodland with a representative of Redbridge’s tree protection department and local residents before any trees are chopped down.

Kings Avenue resident Rab Hachem, said: “They are still going to start removing undergrowth on Monday, but they have said no trees will be chopped down until a consultation has been completed.”