We're going loco over railbridge closure

THREE MONTHS AFTER TRAIN DERAILMENT, PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY STILL FACE LENGTHY DETOURS WHILE REPAIR WORK CONTINUES

- STEPHEN TOPPING & GEORGE LYTHGOE

THERE is a street in Greater Manchester where people can't get from one side to the other. And locals aren't happy about it.

Trouble started when a freight train came off the tracks in Audenshaw in September.

The area was 'like a crime scene, according to locals.

Nine of the train's 24 wagons derailed in total, with the last one coming to a standstill on a bridge near Sidmouth Street.

One resident said part of the train landed in her back garden following the crash.

The aftermath of the wagons coming off the tracks on the Stockport to Stalybridge line led to the area being closed off while rail operators cleared up. This effectively cut the street in half.

More than two months on, trains are running on the tracks again, but residents still can't walk under the bridge where it happened.

Network Rail said repairs are taking "slightly longer" than planned, and a spokesman thanked the community for their patience.

But frustration over the delays is palpable among residents.

Given the number of elderly people living in the area, the alternative route via the busy Audenshaw Road is not a pleasant one.

For slower walkers, taking the longer route round - rather than the direct route under the bridge - can add 10 minutes onto a short journey to the nearest shop.

Resident Joe Hart is one of those affected by the disruption.

"It's a real nuisance", he said. "I'm not good on my legs and there are a few older people around here that struggle.

"I'm having to get taxis I can't afford because of the rerouting. We're not getting any info, that's the trouble. They told us trains are running and this will happen later on.

"Every morning I wake up and look to see if it's gone - but it never is. They said it was going to be open on December 4 but it's not.

"It's a nuisance, as I like to go to Ashton on the bus for a pint. This puts me off."