MP meets rail bosses over residents’ concerns

Generators , swearing, bright lamps prompt anger

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr met with Network Rail bosses last week to discuss the disruption caused by overnight electrification works on the tracks.

The Observer reported last month that residents living near railway lines were being kept awake at night by workers shouting and swearing.

Fumes from diesel generators were said to be causing problems for those with respiratory problems while bright lamps were understood to be burning all through the night.

Those living in close proximity to the line in the Bridge of Allan, Cornton and Causewayhead areas are currently those most affected by the works.

Network Rail insist they would deal robustly with contractors who were causing disturbance with their language but some noise and lighting levels were required to ensure works are carried out safely.

And bosses met with MP Mr Kerr and Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Douglas Dodds to discuss the problems last week.

Afterwards, Mr Kerr said: “It was important to meet with Network Rail and I will keep doing so to ensure they are doing their very best to minimise the various detrimental effects of these works.

“I want to see a significant improvement in the quality of communications to residents and serious efforts made to mitigate the noise, vibration and light pollution caused.

“It was made very clear that putting up with these is more than enough for those nearby the work, and people should not have to be subject to foul language and shouting throughout the night as well – that is simply not acceptable.”

Councillor Dodds added that he would be doing his best to ensure those living in the problem areas are kept fully informed of any progress.

The works represent the latest phase in the EGIP (EdinburghGlasgow Improvement Programme) and involve a summer of overnight pile-driving.

The project began locally in May and is expected to run until the end of the month – taking place from 9pm to 5am Monday to Thursday and between 11pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

Mr Kerr also wrote to Stirling Council to seek assurances that they would be robustly monitoring works.

Councillor Jim Thomson, convener of the environment and housing committee, said: “We’re aware of issues that have been raised in relation to the noise of overnight works currently underway.

“We are working closely with Network Rail to ensure that workers are mindful of the noise made by certain activities and equipment, and are taking necessary steps to minimise the noise impact.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We expect our people to work considerately and regularly brief staff and contractors about their responsibility to minimise disturbance to neighbours during night-time activity.

“If behaviour falls below expected standards we address concerns raised with us. Anyone with concerns about any aspect of our work can contact our 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”

Pile-driving work is said to be essential to prepare the concrete foundations for the masts carrying power lines for new electric trains.

The plan is to create faster, more reliable trains which are cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient.