RESIDENTS whose weekends are ruined by the noise from work on a railway line are taking action.

People living in Railway Terrace, Eaglescliffe, have met to resolve the noise problem caused by contractor Jarvis Rail's work to the line opposite their homes.

One family was moved into a hotel for a night, paid for by Jarvis. Others are completely fed-up of having their weekend ruined by the noise.

Jane Orton has lived in the usually quiet cul-de-sac for ten years, and she said the noise had only become a problem in the last five years.

She was sick of being woken in the early hours each Sunday by the noise, or the sound of workmen's voices. "We have had enough and we are very, very determined to get something done about this.

"We are sick of losing sleep because of the disruption, we are sick of being woken up and sick of being ignored by Jarvis - their attitude absolutely stinks.

"The sound of loud, heavy machinery early in the morning - it's just not acceptable and when some people have complained the workmen have insulted them."

The work is part of Network Rail's maintenance and renewals programme, which started before Easter and is due to finish in June.

A Network Rail spokesman said it tried to carry out the noisiest work at times of the day that were less intrusive, but this was not always possible.

Mrs Orton said: "The noise before Easter was awful. I shouldn't have to be worried about if I'm going to get a good night's sleep; it's my home, which I should be able to enjoy at the weekend."

She stressed that residents accepted track work had to be carried out, but they felt Jarvis was not considering their health and well-being or trying to find ways to mask the noise.

She also felt the company was ignoring their complaints. She had spoken to representatives several times about the noise, but had never had anything in writing in response.

Now the residents will write to ask senior management from Jarvis to attend a meeting.

Mrs Orton said: "We're sick of talking to the Indians, we want to talk to the chief now, we want to express our concerns and ask them what they will do."

Residents will also explore European law on noise pollution and contact their MP, MEP and Citizens' Advice Bureau.

A spokesman for Jarvis said: "Due to the nature of the work and to ensure the safety of the travelling public and our contractors, it can be necessary to carry out work at night when no trains are running.

"Our contractors do everything they can to keep it to a minimum. They're working to a code of conduct that requires them to take all responsible measures to control noise.