Rail link work inquiry starts

Residents living near the station object to noise, dust and traffic

An inquiry is opening into plans to work round the clock on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) near King's Cross in north London.

The project, due to be completed in 2007, is behind schedule and developer Union Railways wants to work 24 hours a day.

But people living next to the site on the Coopers Lane estate say it will make their lives a misery.

Union Railways says it cannot delay the opening of the link.

The proposals have already been rejected by Camden Council, but the company says if the deadline is missed it would mean millions of pounds lost in bonuses and penalties.

A government planning inspector will examine the plans over the next two days.

Work on the link is believed to be three months behind schedule.

When complete, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link will extend for 109km (68 miles) from the tunnel to St Pancras station via Stratford in east London.

The first 46-mile section to Fawkham Junction in north Kent was opened in September.