Update on train "screeching" on track behind Wightman Road

Just an update on the issue of the "screeching" trains on the railway track behind Wightman Road.

I have been in correspondence again with First Capital Connect and was invited down to the Hornsey Depot to discuss the issue with them and have a look at what they are doing to try and remedy the problem.

They have put in new greasers and cut small sections in the track to try and compensate for the expansion that happens in warmer weather, also some of the joins have been replaced.  The engineers where surprised when I said that in fact the problem was actually worse than ever this summer (which is probably related to the warmer weather we have been having!).

There is a lot of work going on down at Hornsey Depot and some of the operations will be moving down to the new depot further down the line towards Alexandra Palace when that is finally finished.

I was disappointed that even with all the work they have done the problem with the train noise persists.  However, there are a couple of things happening over the next few months which I hope will lead to a big improvement.  The section of track which causes the greatest "squealing" is being replaced with a straighter section which means that the bends which aggrevate the problem will be removed.  Secondly, the train washer behind the houses in the mid section of Wightman Road will be taken out of commission later in the year and moved further down towards the Hornsey Depot and further away from housing.  So hopefully less trains using this section of track and hence less noise.

I'll continue to keep an eye on things and will keep badgering First Capital Connect if the problem persists after the changes I have mentioned.

Do keep me informed if you have any issues and it would be good to hear from residents as to whether they think things are improving or are getting worse.