MP Steve Barclay is calling for answers after accusing Network Rail of misleading him over issues with engines idling outside March homes for sometimes hours at a time.
Mr Barclay has reported Network Rail to the Rail Regulator claiming they are ‘bang to rights’ over the way they have handled on-going complaints about trains sitting on tracks with their engines running just feet away from homes in Landau Way.
The issue has caused major distress for residents for many years and Mr Barclay, MP for North East Cambridgeshire, has been trying to get to the bottom of the problem.
“Basically Network Rail pushed the residents from pillar to post as they tried to find out who was responsible for the trains and the noise and air pollution they were causing.
“They have repeatedly denied any responsibility for these trains, blaming instead, passenger train operating companies,” said Mr Barclay.
But he said information from someone with ‘insider’ knowledge of the rail system has led the finger to be pointed firmly in Network Rail’s direction.
“The locomotive in the video filmed in a garden at Landau Way and on my website is a Class 66 which are operated by DB Schenka under contract to Network Rail but service train operators don’t have this type of locomotive. They don’t leave locomotives standing or idling at this location, nor do commercial freight operators,” he said.
Mr Barclay said they are contracted to Network Rail Infra-structure Services.
He said: “Network Rail have serious questions to answer. In a letter Network Rail stated they are not responsible for the operators of the locomotives as they only manage the railway network and infrastructure.
“I have now discovered that the sidings at the rear of Landau Way are Network Rail sidings used to stable trains or wagons accessing or departing from their infrastructure supply depot at Whitemoor Yard.”
He is also seeking a personal reassurance from Network Rail’s chief executive Mark Carne that any future issues from an MP will be properly investigated.
“We have never been able to get to the bottom of this problem. Now we have. We now have clarity that these engines operate under contract to Network Rail so it is clear where the buck stops. This gives clarity to Fenland District Council to now take enforcement action against Network Rail.
“The more serious question for the Rail Regulator to investigate is that a major company has repeatedly and systematically ignored legitimate concerns from residents, the local press as well as from their MP.”
And he is urging Network Rail to take urgent action to end the residents’ misery.
One resident, who didn’t want to be named, welcomed news that the blight on homes in Landau Way could soon be at an end.
And said: “If it is finally over it is great news. This is a lovely quiet area, most of us are retired and we moved here for a peaceful retirement. The engines running from 10 minutes to over two hours at a time.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We understand that residents are frustrated and have contacted Mr Barclay to discuss his concerns.”
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