Network Rail on Radio 4 tomorrow re Goblin Line

A group including Stella Creasy MP have been campaigning hard in E17 regarding the excessive noise and vibrations (and possible damage to property) that heavy freight trains are causing on the Goblin Line. At 12 tomorrow You and Yours on BBC Radio 4 will be looking at the issue and will have Network Rail in the studio to respond to the issues.

Network Rail is planning to carry out some monitoring of houses along the track in E17, but not in the other areas that are being affected. In fact one of the things NR plan to say to defend themselves is that the only people who have complained live in E17!

The group has suggested that people that are being affected by this issue, but who live outside of E17 email the show to ensure they’re aware that this is a much wider issue and to demand that monitoring is extended beyond E17.

There is clearly an issue along the line either with the track, rolling stock or weight/speed of trains. If NR claim these are within their guidelines then these guidelines must be reviewed with a full and detailed survey of the line with NR reviewing noise and vibration levels - this needs to be done inside properties to review noise/vibration levels, but also with structural surveyors who can determine if properties are being damaged.

You can email the producer of the programme, Simon Browning, simon.browning@bbc.co.uk or you can email the programme via their contact page http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/contact-forms/you-and-yours/. Otherwise, send in a tweet tomorrow! or text them!

Having followed the group and seen how hard Network Rail has tried to block any reviews it’s very impressive what they have achieved so far. However, there’s a long way to go.