TransPennine working with Scarborough Council after residents complain of 'soul destroying' noise from train depot

Residents in Weaponess valley say they are struggling to sleep at night due to noise from trains at the new depot between Seamer and Scarborough stations.
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The £7 million TransPennine Express depot, behind Seamer Road, opened in 2019 to provide maintenance, including refuelling, to the train company’s fleet.

However, since the depot began operating, those living in the area say their sleep has been disrupted by light and noise pollution.

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Tina Ford, who has lived on Oriel Close for nearly 30 years and has never been bothered by the trains, said the depot itself came as a surprise.

Tina Ford in her garden with the train depot in the background. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterTina Ford in her garden with the train depot in the background. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
Tina Ford in her garden with the train depot in the background. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

“We didn’t know anything about the new siding, apparently houses on the Seamer Road side of the tracks were sent letters,” she said.

“Then in October last year lights appeared that were very bright and intrusive.”

Around six weeks later, in late November, early December, Tina says trains began idling for hours late at night, only stopping for a few hours in the early hours.

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She said: “The noise was shocking. From around 10.30pm they idle until 12.30am then it starts again at 4.30am.

The train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterThe train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
The train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

“It’s not just me, you can hear it all the way down the track. I’m in a valley and the noise carries all the way down the line.

“I’m getting four hours sleep a night. The noise level, because it’s such a low noise, is like torture.”

Tina had replaced her windows with triple glazing prior to the depot opening but says the noise can still be heard throughout the house.

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As a teacher, she has to be at work every day and says she is managing at work because she is always busy, but has little energy to do anything in the evenings.

The train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterThe train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
The train depot behind Flamingo Land Stadium. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

“I just need sleep, me and hundreds of others I’m sure need sleep.

“TransPennine say the sounds barriers are 50 per cent more than what we should have but they don’t do any good whatsoever.”

Tina explained residents in the area have dealt with a lot of disruption in the past few years after the construction of the CU Scarborough and UTC campuses and the Sports Village and Flamingo Land Stadium.

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Whilst she has been happy to see progress in the area, this latest development and the ongoing noise that has come with it is having a negative impact on her health which is beginning to take its toll.

Tina added: “I don’t grumble about anything but when you’ve had a property and put your life into it, it really is soul destroying.

“We can’t open windows, we’ve blocked up every air vent and in Summer we’re going to melt.”

Councillor Richard Maw, of Weaponess and Ramshill ward, said he is increasingly being contacted by residents with complaints about the noise.

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He said: “I sympathise with Tina greatly, the rumble of these engines is at such a high level but the noise barriers have little effect.

“We are working with TransPennine to come up with some sort of solution because as it stands it is very distressing.”

Cllr Maw said representatives from TransPennine Express are expected to attend an upcoming meeting of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on March 4.

He encouraged residents with complaints about the noise to lodge them formerly with customer services at Scarborough Council, to allow councillors to build a picture of how many people this issue is affecting.

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A spokesperson for TransPennine Express commented: “We are currently working with Scarborough Borough Council and their Environmental Health Service to fully investigate the complaints, ensuring we completely understand the issues.

“After a full consultation, the depot was purpose built with environmental factors strongly considered during the design phase, which led, for example, to the inclusion of 50 per cent more noise barriers than required.

“The depot, which has created new jobs for the local area, is essential to operating our brand-new Nova 3 trains to Scarborough, providing more seats for those who travel on this route.”