More details have emerged about a rail compound which is set to operate close to York homes for three years.
The compound is to be built on a field off Moor Lane, on the border between Woodthorpe and Dringhouses.
Residents close to the field are concerned about the noise and disruption – and one elderly couple were devastated when the decision led to the collapse of their house sale.
Now Dringhouses and Woodthorpe councillor Stephen Fenton has met with Network Rail representatives.
Cllr Fenton told YorkMix: “I asked them to pause the compound plans and undertake meaningful engagement.”
This afternoon the MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, who had also been asked to intervene, said that had now been agreed and there would be a pause until Friday March 19.
They will write to residents and seek constructive engagement between now and then about how to carry out local rail upgrades.
Night work
Network Rail say they need the compound for their work on the line between York and Church Fenton, as part of the Transpennine upgrade.
It is one of several linked compounds, which must all be on the same side of the tracks, closest to the two lines being upgraded.
The compound surface will have a stone dressing and will be surrounded by a 2-metre high metal fence, Cllr Fenton was told.
There will be both daytime and night time trackside working – but most of it will be at night. This will include ‘sheet piling’.
Night work will be lit by tower lights with hoods, they won’t be using multi-directional lighting.
There will also be parking on site for up to 15 cars.
“They said that they would be happy to speak with or meet with any residents. I suggested that the proposed pause will enable them to have these conversation,” Cllr Fenton said.
Network Rail have consulted Yorkshire Wildlife Trust about impacts on Askham Bog, they told the councillor.
You can read more on Stephen Fenton’s blog.
Network Rail has decided to hold off activity to start creating a temporary construction compound in Dringhouses, York, so that further engagement can take place with residents in the local community. Work to install the compound was due to start next week but has now been proactively delayed until Friday 19 March.
Network Rail says we understand concerns
Neil Holm, Director at Network Rail for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme, said:
“I understand the concerns raised about the temporary compound and thank local residents for their initial feedback.
We are receptive to this and have quickly acted to pause the start date to give us extra time to carry out an engagement exercise with residents.
This will allow us to seek further feedback and also layout our plans in finer detail to help minimise disruption from the compound.”