INVESTIGATIONS are to be carried out to discover who is to blame for severe damage caused to homes in Yarm which back on to a rail line.

Residents of Dentdale Close claim cracks in their plasterwork, ceilings and door frames are caused by trains rattling past their homes.

They claim to experience vibrations every time freight trains pass their street, and have even complained of ornaments and decor moving.

Yesterday, residents met their MP, Dari Taylor, and representatives from Railtrack to discuss the problem.

Ms Taylor is backing the residents' claims that the speed, weight and frequency of the trains is damaging their homes.

She said: "Serious damage is being caused to the homes in Dentdale Close, so this is a very important issue for the people who live here.

"All they are asking for is a reduction in the speed of the trains passing their houses.

"It is Railtrack which maintains the track system, and sets the speed and weight limits for the train-operating companies that use this stretch of railway."

During the meeting, Railtrack representatives were shown the house of a young couple who only moved to the street eight months ago.

Already they have cracks more than 1.5in long in their walls.

Ms Taylor agreed to contact Stockton Borough Council to ask it to act as an independent consultant to measure the noise and vibrations, and to compile a report on the possible effects of the trains.

The residents hope this report, along with additional information from Railtrack, will show whether or not the trains are to blame for the damage.

Ms Taylor said: "We are very much of the belief that the report will be very positive, and will state the trains are to blame.

"Railtrack must remember that these people have to put up with this every day."

Ms Taylor has also agreed to approach the main train unions to try to speak to drivers, or people who know them, about the speed and weight of trains which use the track and pass by the homes.

No one at Railtrack was available for comment following the meeting.