Glasgow Shettleston’s MSP, John Mason, is calling upon Network Rail to reconsider the logistics of the construction programme for the upgrading of the Whifflet-Central line which runs through the southern part of his constituency.

Mr Mason has been contacted by numerous residents who are concerned about the programme of works to upgrade the line which is due to be completed before the summer.

The East End MSP has asked Network Rail to consider a compromise of working less hours through the night and perhaps extend their work to a Sunday when there are no trains running on the line.

Commenting, John Mason MSP – who chairs the Scottish Parliamentary Cross Party Group on Rail – said:

“Given that residents from communities all along the railway line have now complained about this issue, it’s clearly something Network Rail and their contractors have to reconsider as a matter of urgency.  I am absolutely in favour of the line being electrified and upgraded but the noise throughout the night is having a real impact on people’s lives.

“Longer term we need to look at whether Network Rail should be subject to something more like the normal planning process.  Other organisations wanting to develop their land have to apply for planning permission, the public have the right to comment, and noisy work is restricted to certain hours.  However, the railways seem to be ‘above the law’ in this regard.  In previous cases we have seen them undertake significant work without consulting local communities.  On this occasion they have decided to hold consultation events after the work has started which is totally unsatisfactory.

“Shorter term, it would be good if Network Rail could consider reviewing their working hours and perhaps do more work during a Sunday day time and to cut the hours of work during nights. That sounds like a reasonable compromise to me.”