Sidings 'may get pollution test'

Environmental health officers are considering whether to carry out further tests on air quality around some railway sidings in Oxford.

Residents close to the Jericho sidings say their life is being made a misery by the noise and pollution from engines idling throughout the day and night.

The city's environmental health officer said there was no evidence the fumes exceeded national air quality goals.

But he has agreed to carry out more tests if funding is provided.

The agreement at an area committee meeting on Tuesday night is a partial victory for boat owner Mike Hamblett.

'Can't breathe'

He claimed the fumes were ruining his enjoyment of the Thames and were causing residents to seal their windows all year round.

"I'm really happy Oxford councillors are dismayed about the problem and are taking up the pollution issue," he said.

Bridget Bayden, 51, who has multiple sclerosis, lives in a Canal Street flat overlooking the canal and sidings.

The only time I get any peace is on a Saturday night Bridget Bayden

She said she was pleased to have the councillors' support for more air quality tests.

"In the heat I like to have the windows open but then I get the smell of diesel in my bedroom," she said.

"Sometimes it is so bad I have to bury my head under the duvet because I feel like I can't breathe.

"I don't get the full use of my balcony because of the noise and the smell.

"The only time I get any peace is on a Saturday night because the engines don't start up until 0800 on Sunday."

Environmental health officer Trevor Dixon said regular air quality tests carried out in Oxford in 2006 showed no signs of nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter in the Jericho sidings area.

But he added: "If the committee wants us to monitor the area again to be sure of the air quality then we will do that, as long as it is prepared to pay the costs."