National Rail contractors (Three Shires Ltd) had arrived to commence fencing work at Railway Terrace this morning before being called off at the last minute due to ecological concerns.

Local environmental group, Friends of the Earth, have claimed victory.

Without consultation, National Rail had announced their intention to replace an iron fence on both sides of the railtrack with a new metal palisade fence standing 1.9metre high.

A large strip of hedgerow, thought to be housing hibernating dormice, was to be removed as part of the works.

Last week, concerned residents made Friends of the Earth Chair Max Wallis aware of the works.

He then complained to Akinniran Akinjo, a National Rail works delivery manager.

Mr Wallis cited planning restriction infringements and ecological damage among his objections.

"Part 2 of the GPDO only allows a new boundary fence or wall of up to 1 metre where adjacent to a highway," he stated.

"We also advised that Network Rail are obliged to survey the existing vegetation and hedging for dormice, a European Protected Species, now that you have been informed of observations of these animals, supported by the VoG's Ecology Officer."

At 9:07 this morning, after a National Rail ecologist and a Three Shires project manager had met with Mr Wallis and residents, Mr Akinjo replied:

"I'm unable to attend site at short notice too, however I have informed my colleagues to halt plans with the works and traffic Management until we are able to consult with you and other residents."

Speaking to Nub News, Mr Wallis referred to halting the works as "a victory" and thanked Vale of Glamorgan Council ecologist Colin Cheesman "who found the contacts and supported the worries about the dormouse."