Night freight train noise appeal

The freight carrier began operating night runs last year

Clackmannanshire Council has denied misleading residents over the issue of night trains carrying tonnes of coal to Longannet Power Station.

The authority said there had been no indication from freight firm DB Shenker that coal wagons would operate after hours along the reopened route.

The issue has prompted complaints from residents who live near the line in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

The rail link, which runs to Longannet Power Station, was reopened in 2008.

Transport Scotland, Network Rail and each of the area's three local authorities have all received complaints about noise and vibration caused by the trains, which transport up to 2,300 tonnes of coal to Longannet during a single run.

The complaints follow a decision by the German-based carrier to use the route at night.

'Overnight trains'

The issue has led to calls for speed restrictions along the line.

Prior to DB Schenker, formerly known as EWS, using the new rail link, coal had been delivered to Longannet via the Forth Road Bridge.

Clackmannanshire Council has now written to the operator urging them to consider reducing the number of freight trains running at night.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, said: "Clackmannanshire Council did not become aware of any proposal to operate overnight freight services until after passenger services began in May 2008.

"I can state, unequivocally, that Clackmannanshire Council did not mislead residents.

"At no point prior to this was there any indication from the freight company to the council that overnight trains would be a feature on the line and it wasn't until this company took over the contract to deliver coal to Longannet that this has become a problem."

The council and Transport Scotland are currently analysing the results of 24-hour noise surveys commissioned to analyse the impact of the trains along the reopened section of line.

The results could lead to some properties qualifying for sound insulation or noise mitigation measures.

Tests are also being carried out to determine the level of vibration along the line.