Media centre

Monday 26 Apr 2004

NETWORK RAIL TO HOLD RESIDENTS’ OPEN DAY

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

An open day is being held by Network Rail to explain its plans to stabilise the railway embankment in the Coalpit Heath area of Gloucestershire.             The event will be held on Tuesday May 4, from 2pm to 8.30pm at Manor Hall, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. There will be Network Rail personnel on hand to answer questions and display boards showing the type of work that will be taking place.             The aim of the event is to keep residents fully informed about Network Rail’s plans and to address any concerns. A letter of invitation is being sent out to people in the area to let them know about the open day.             Work on stabilising the embankment was due to start earlier this year but was put on hold following concerns raised by residents about the removal of trees and the effect on nesting birds and the environment.             However, it is vital that work is carried out because the embankment is liable to movement and track safety may be compromised. Already there is a speed restriction in place, requiring trains to drop their speeds from 125mph to 85mph. -more-             Open day – 2 “While we are keen for this project to go ahead to ensure the future safety of the line, we are very aware of residents’ concerns and hope we can help to allay these at our open day,” said Scott Pillinger, Project Manager for Network Rail