Train Noise in Barrow

February 2007

Following the publication of the RSSB recommendations achanges and improvements have been made but I recognised these new rules do not do enough for the situation in Barrow. I therefore have held fresh meetings with Network Rail engineers and asked them to design and cost further solutions specific to Barrow. They have suggested a number of schemes all of various costs and engineering difficulty.

Our problem remains that the section of track is high speed with 6 tracks to cross. The solution will not be easy to find that will please everybody.

However, I continue to progress chase Network Rail on a regular basis. As soon as I have the information from Network Rail on their final solution I will circulate to residents. Whilst it is now 15 months since the first public meeting I do beleive the RSSB and Network Rial have moved faster than I had expected on this issue.

best wishes

Andy Reed

December 2006

The Department for Transport have published the conclusions of the various reviews that were being undertaken in relation to levels of train horn noise.

I will look into these developments and try to find out what this will mean for Barrow and will post my thoughts in due course.

In the meantime, please read the letter sent to me from the Minister, Tom Harris:

January 2006

have held a further site meeting with Network Rail and some of the local residents. It is now apparent that the light board option is no longer available and the solution to this ongoing problem requires the Rail Safety Standards Board (which has juts set up a working Party) to find a suitable safe solution. I will now put my energies into encouraging this body to conclude as quickly as possible.

Previously

I have been approached by a number of concerned residents in Barrow who have complained about the increased noise of trains sounding their horns as they approach the village. For some it is making their lives intolerable.

I have investigated the matter with Network Rail who admit they could fit a lighting system which would reduce the need for the sounding of horns. Clearly I would not want to reduce the health and safety factors related to this practice - but Network Rail are confident that providing a lights system would meet these requirements. They have agreed they will do this but won't commit themselves to a timetable. I am urging them to give the residents some hope by announcing when they will complete the work.

I was approached by constituents who wanted to raise this matter and have surveyed others locally. It appears from the feedback that many residents are greatly disturbed by this where they are adjacent to the railway line.

Progress is being made with Network Rail and I hope that by the start of 2006 I will be in a position to know when the problem will be solved.