Complaints about noise and smoke from trains

[John Ashworth]

Complaints about noise and smoke from trains

Thursday, June 14, 2012 Ongar Gazette

PARKING, noise and pollution have been cited as problems arising since the opening of the Epping Ongar Railway (EOR).

Residents living in close proximity to the heritage railway in Ongar and North Weald are complaining about the effects of locomotives travelling along the line.

​Inconsiderate parking by users of the railway along Station Road, in North Weald, has also been branded a "major problem".

North Weald parish councillor Peter Collins said: "People were parking all the way up Station Road and then double parking, making it extremely difficult for residents from the housing estate to get up and down."

Mr Collins said the parish council is in discussions with residents, the railway and the district council to try to find a solution.

The railway had requested use of North Weald Airfield to operate a park and ride service, but the request was turned down by the district council.

Pollution from steam and diesel trains has also added to the chagrin of residents.

"It is a very difficult one for us," added Mr Collins.

"Whilst we have sympathy with those living adjacent to the railway, obviously if you buy a house next to the line you expect trains to go along it."

In Ongar, residents have expressed concern at the pollution from the railway, which opened at the end of May after a multi-million pound restoration project taking nearly five years.

Bowes Drive resident Hazel Simmons said she had been "very concerned and upset by the levels of noise and smoke pollution" emanating from the line and that "everybody is just up in arms about this".

Mrs Simmons has contacted the district council with photographic evidence of the perceived problem.

Responding to criticisms, Simon Hanney, general manager at the EOR, said: "The railway has had a very positive benefit for the local area.

"We maintain our locomotives to industry standards to minimise disruption and any emissions.

"Our staff are trained and examined by competent people in their field.

"We would be interested to hear from any neighbours who have issues."