'Peace at last' for Windermere estate

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Aug 2006

Local MP Tim Farron and Windermere's Liberal Democrat councillors have welcomed the news that Network Rail is to remove the six whistle boards on the railway line into Windermere station. At the moment, trains have to sound their horns six times within a short period of time as they pass pedestrian crossings near the station. Network Rail announced back in July that they would look at removing some of the whistle boards, but said then that three would have to stay - a decision which has been overturned today.

Tim Farron and local Lib Dem councillor Kath Atkinson had raised the issue with Network Rail many times following concerns about the disturbance caused to residents on the Droomer Drive estate by the noise from the trains.

Speaking following Network Rail's announcement, Kath Atkinson said: "This was one of the very first issues raised by local residents when I was first elected, and I'm delighted that progress has now been made!"

Tim Farron said: "As I said back in July, I am glad that we have been able to reduce the disturbance to local residents caused by passing trains. Trains' sounding their horns is an important safety feature on our railways, but there are occasions like this one where they have been going over the top!"