CAMPAIGNERS are hoping the problem of late night noise at Stourbridge Junction will soon hit the buffers after a face-to-face meeting with railways boss Rob Brighouse.

Mr Brighouse, managing director of Chiltern Railways, made the trip to Stourbridge to meet residents who say they have struggling to sleep at night because of the noise from idling trains since a new stabling operation was introduced nearly six months ago.

Despite putting up with “horrendous” noise last Tuesday night (May 14) - campaigners from Arlington Court, Redhill Close and Rufford Road, who have set up an action group called Fuming at Chiltern, say the meeting on Thursday May 16 was productive and they are keeping their fingers crossed the problem can be resolved.

Resident Jane Knowles, spokesman for Fuming at Chiltern, said: “It was a useful meeting where there was full and frank discussion of the issues raised by local residents.

“It gave an opportunity for an exchange of views and we understand more fully the operations of the site and Chiltern understand our issues with the excessive noise.

“They were really attentive to our concerns and gave us plenty of reassurance that they are looking at it.”

Mr Brighouse said afterwards: “We are keen both to provide high quality rail services to and from Stourbridge and maintain a good relationship with our neighbours.

“Whilst it is impossible for us to run services without any noise, we do understand residents’ concerns and we are committed to working closely with the local community and the council to minimise disturbance to those living near to the railway.”

During the visit to Stourbridge - Mr Brighouse and Chiltern’s engineering director Kate Marjoribanks also spent time last Wednesday evening at Stourbridge Junction and in Arlington Court, which backs onto the station sidings, to experience the late night noise - which is believed to stem from the refuelling, cleaning and stabling of two class 67 diesel locomotives.

Stourbridge MP Margot James, who presented a 170-name petition to the Chiltern Railways boss a few weeks ago on behalf of fed-up residents, said Mr Brighouse’s visit was “productive” and she’s hopeful a positive outcome can be achieved.

She added: “I’m quite optimistic. The situation is already improving owing to some measures put in place over the last few months.”

The company hopes a new alternative generator to provide power to the trains will be the key to solving the problem - as it would reduce the need to run engines during the night while cleaning and maintenance work is carried out.

Meanwhile Dudley Council’s environmental health team is continuing to monitor the situation after receiving complaints about the noise.