ANGRY residents close to Stourbridge Junction railway station are being driven round the bend by noisy trains revving their engines late into the night.

People living in Arlington Court, Oldswinford, who live just metres away from the station sidings, say engines have been left loudly idling away for hours - “sometimes all night” - since a new stabling operation was introduced in December.

They say the refuelling, cleaning and stabling of two class 67 diesel locomotives has been causing sleepless nights for many and is becoming unbearable - so they have started a petition.

Furious resident Bobbie Haynes said: “It’s been horrendous. Nobody seems to be doing anything about it. We’ve lived here 42 years and have never had a problem like this. Our health is beginning to suffer because of stress and broken sleep.”

Neighbour Jane Knowles added: “It’s very annoying. There’s just a constant background noise when you’re trying to get to sleep. Sometimes it can go on all night. It’s not just affecting Arlington Court but people in Rufford Road, Redhill Close and even Church Road.”

Stourbridge MP Margot James, who can also hear the drone of the engines from her Oldswinford home, has taken up the residents’ fight and has written to Chiltern Railways urging bosses to resolve the issue.

She said: “I am extremely concerned about the negative impact this is having on the lives of my constituents.”

Train operator Chiltern Railways says it has undertaken numerous initiatives to try to minimise the noise - including work on the generators fitted to trains to reduce the need to run engines at night.

Kate Marjoribanks, engineering director for Chiltern Railways, added “Whilst it is impossible for us to run services without any noise, we do understand residents’ concerns and will continue to work closely with them and the council to minimise disturbance to the local community.”

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for environment and culture, said Dudley Council was aware of the complaints and added: “We are currently assessing the situation to determine what further action is necessary."

A residents’ meeting was due to be held last night (Wednesday) at Chawn Hill Church to discuss the problem further.

Anyone who missed it and who wishes to voice a view or sign the petition can contact Jane Knowles by emailing fumingatchiltern@hotmail.co.uk