Issue - meetings

Councillor Gething

To receive and respond to a petition seeking an alternative to trains using their horns as they approach the footpath crossing at Shortwood Common, Staines-upon-Thames.

In accordance with Standing Order 16.4 in the Constitution, the options available to Cabinet are:

(a) to take the action the petition requests; or

(b) not to take the action requested for reasons put forward in the debate; or

(c) to note the petition and keep the matter under review.

Cabinet received a petition signed by 88 residents seeking an alternative solution to trains using their horns as they approach the footpath at Shortwood Common, Staines-upon-Thames.

Mrs Sheila Davies spoke on behalf of the petitioners explaining the effect on both their physical and mental health of being disturbed by train horns throughout the day and late into the night.

Councillor Gething, Portfolio Holder for Environment acknowledged on behalf of the Council, that the noise from train horns was affecting residents who live close to the Shortwood Common pedestrian railway crossing during the day and until late at night. He expressed his sympathy for the residents and commented that although the decision to address the residents’ concerns lay with Network Rail, the Council would assist as best it could to ensure the most suitable option was pursued.

Councillor Mooney, as County Councillor for Staines-upon-Thames, spoke in support of the residents’ petition.

The Leader, Councillor Harvey, added his sympathies for the residents’ situation and confirmed that the Council would do all it could to ensure Network Rail finds a mutually satisfactory solution.

Resolved to note the petition seeking an alternative solution to trains using their horns as they approach the footpath at Shortwood Common, Staines-upon-Thames and to keep the matter under review.

Reason for Decision:

On its own the Council cannot effect a change in the noise disturbance being caused by train horn soundings.  Network Rail is considering alternative options but these will not be scheduled until 2022. They will consider the possibilities for interim measures until then.