Controversial sleeper factory plan submitted
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a concrete railway sleeper facility in Bescot sidings have been formally submitted for a crucial decision by Sandwell councillors.
The development has been met by fierce opposition from local residents who have collected over 6,000 formal objections and signatures on a petition opposing the Network Rail scheme.
The People of Wednesbury Say NO to Network Rail group say the factory will create air pollution and traffic congestion. They claim the proposal would add an additional 75,000 vehicle movements a year to already busy roads.
Network Rail say after consulting local people they have made significant changes to address their concerns. These include relocating the proposed site 600m to the east, further away from properties and building a new link road to improve access and remove the impact of vehicles on adjacent homes.
It also estimates the number of HGV vehicles coming on to the site would average
7,500 a year.
Anthony Marley, programme director at Network Rail, said: “We have taken on board feedback from people. They have helped shape the application we have made.”
But campaigners say silica in the cement used to make the sleepers is a serious hazard to health. Network Rail says the cement will arrive in sealed lorries and unloaded in an airtight area.
The scheme is expected to go before Sandwell council’s planning committee in November.
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