AN ELM tree has been removed from a college field to make way for a temporary Network Rail base.

The Old Shoreham Road site in Hove, near Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman Schools, will be used as a hub for the Network Rail Hove Cutting stabilisation project.

The work to stabilise a railway cutting and prevent delays caused by landslips will mean delays to train services in September.

Network Rail said the “vital work” will take place in Hove between Saturday, September 18, and Friday, October 1.

The Argus: The site near Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman School The site near Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman School

While the work takes place, no trains will run on the route directly linking Brighton with Hove.

In preparation for the work, Network Rail has begun the construction of a temporary site compound, where its teams will be based as part of the project.

Brighton and Hove City Council said its arboriculture team was asked by Network Rail to remove a diseased elm tree above the rail tunnel entrance next to the playing fields.

“This has now been done,” a council spokesman said. “Our arboriculture team are not aware of a temporary compound.”

The compound is due to be taken down in the weeks after the project and the site returned to grass, according to Network Rail.

A Bhasvic spokeswoman said : “The council have permitted a licence for Network Rail to construct a temporary compound to allow them to do essential work to the embankment along that stretch of railway line.

“Bhasvic, Newman, councillors and Friends of the Field were asked for our views on this.

“The compound is considerably smaller than initially proposed and the location has been chosen to avoid the sports pitches that will be needed from the start of term.

“Once the rail works have finished, we have been told the area will be made good and returned to its previous condition.”

The Argus: The site near Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman School The site near Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman School

As part of the stabilisation project, Network Rail is working with the community on replanting options to offset the vegetation removed by the works.

Over the weekend of September 18 and 19, engineers will be repairing the nearby Wilbury Road Bridge to strengthen the structure, and carrying out track circuit upgrades between Brighton and Hove and wheel timber renewals at Shoreham Viaduct to improve the reliability of train services.