CAMPAIGNERS fed up of late night train revving at Stourbridge Junction Railway Station are hoping a visit to the area by trains boss Rob Brighouse will finally put the buffers on the problem.
More than 170 residents from Arlington Court, Redhill Close and Rufford Road, who live near the station sidings, have signed a petition calling for action to stop the through-the-night rumblings associated with a new stabling operation which was introduced in December.
Fed-up with the “horrendous” sounds and sleepless nights which they blame on the refuelling, cleaning and stabling of two class 67 diesel locomotives, residents Bobbie Haynes and Jane Knowles also enlisted the help Stourbridge MP Margot James who handed the petition over to Chiltern Railways boss Rob Brighouse.
The Conservative MP, who can also hear the drone of idling engines from her Oldswinford home, presented the document to chief executive Mr Brighouse at a meeting at which he pledged to try and cut the noise which has been driving residents round the bend.
Ms James also invited the railways boss to visit the area to hear the racket from the station himself.
In an effort to appease its angry neighbours, Chiltern Railways has already changed the way the trains are powered while vital maintenance work is carried out and a spokesman for the company said: “We understand residents concerns and will continue to work closely with them, Margot James and the council to minimise the disturbance to the local community.”
Campaigners Bobbie Haynes and Jane Knowles say the noise has reduced somewhat lately but added: “Whilst there is some improvement this issue is by no means resolved.
“During the last few days the noise has once again increased with engines routinely idling from 8.30pm until well after midnight.
“We can see no reason for this when compressors and on-board generator sets have been installed at enormous cost to Chiltern Railways.
“Residents are also concerned that engines are starting up and idling at 4.30am, sometimes as early as 4am, and wonder if this is really necessary?
“The forthcoming meeting with Rob Brighouse will be a welcome opportunity to seek some definitive answers.”
The campaigners can be contacted by emailing fumingatchiltern@hotmail.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here