CITY council bosses have warned rail managers that residents could be disturbed by vibrations from a new rail service in North Oxford.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price has written to Network Rail about more services from Oxford to Bicester and a new station at Water Eaton.

The Government has given permission for the £130m scheme – to link Oxford to London Marylebone – yet it must meet conditions about noise and vibration.

These conditions will be monitored and enforced if required by the city council.

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Labour leader Mr Price wrote: “There is considerable local concern about the vibration from the rail operations through the Wolvercote area.

“Even with compliance with the technical standards, the city council believes that there will be vibration discernible for the adjacent residential properties.”

Some residents are concerned about plans to run goods trains up to 70mph and want a 30mph limit instead, which the council has backed.

Oxford West and Abingdon Conservative MP Nicola Blackwood backed a 30mph limit in a letter to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

She wrote: “This proposal has widespread support amongst local residents.”

City council executive board member for transport John Tanner said the authority would be “awkward” if concerns are not addressed.

Wolvercote mother-of-two Leanne McClements, 39, said: “The city council taking this stance is great news.

“We have all been protesting loudly and fairly about this issue, so it is good to see they have listened.

“It has been frustrating for us in recent months, because vibrations also raise the prospect of structural damage to our home.”

Chiltern Railways – which will run services – and Network Rail have given the council a vibration report and will discuss findings with managers next month.


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