More noise as Network Rail to clear vegetation overnight
Residents near The Black Path, which runs along side the northern side of the Thameslink line, may find it’s not just the warm weather keeping them awake at night next week.
Network Rail is going to be removing vegetation along the track behind Sumatra Road and Ravenshaw Street between 11pm and 5.30am from Monday to Friday and the work will apparently involve the use of chainsaws, flail machines, chipping machines or handsaws – so it could get a bit noisy!
It’s not clear why the work all has to take place overnight or whether it requires five full nights of work. Perhaps one of our new West Hampstead councillors could look into this, and ensure National Rail does indeed have all the correct permits for this after-hours work.
Local residents were sent a circular alerting them to the potential disruption, and are advised to call the 24-hour national helpline on 08457 114141 if they have any concerns, though it seems unlikley that that’s going to stop any noise then and there.
Residents may find it’s a long week as some are also likely to be disturbed by the more extensive Overgound construction work taking place on Sunday night. The Ivory Coast vs Japan World Cup match, whicj kicks off at 2am Sunday morning, might have a disproportionately high number of viewers in NW6.
Thanks for including this on the site, Jonathan. I am still in contact with Environmental Health at Camden Council. Apparently there is something called “possessions” which allows Network Rail to carry out work when they like without consulting either the Council or affected residents. Also, Camden emailed me to say there are more works planned. I have asked for more information on both these matters.
Just to add to my previous comment, Camden now tells me they are not aware of any further works. An internet search shows that “possession” is the term used when Network Rail take control of a section of line from the local operator for work such as this. I am not expecting any useful information from Camden Council, because the person there is emailing and addressing me by name to ask what my email address and name is.
I would say that I am not dealing with the sharpest tool in the box 😉