RESIDENTS are to hold a crisis meeting to discuss disruption caused by electrification work near their homes.

Network Rail is carrying out work close to the Hazlemere estate in Kearsley.

Residents say their lives have been disrupted by large vehicles travelling through the estate late at night and early in the morning.

The site, less than a mile from Kearsley station, is part of ongoing work to electrify the rail network around Bolton.

However, there have been numerous complaints during the work, including about litter on the site, which is said to have been caused by an increased number of people in the area in recent months.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “They just don’t care. The stress and anxiety that it has been causing is unbelievable.

“The hills by the railway line are overgrown and we can’t even use the pavement in some places. They’ve left it an absolute mess.”

Some of the people who live in the road have been asked to move their own cars while large heavy goods vehicles turn around.

Now the residents are to meet and discuss the problem.

Network Rail representatives sent out a letter to residents detailing the plans in February,

The work is part of the Great North Rail Project, which looks to improve rail travel in the north of England and stimulate economic growth.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “As we continue to upgrade the railway between Manchester and Preston, we are carrying out more overnight and weekend work to install the equipment needed to power electric trains.

“This is part of the Great North Rail Project which will provide passengers with a better, more reliable railway.”

The issue follows other problems that have been experienced by Bolton residents in Moses Gate, who complained that engineers working on electrification had meant a line of trees running next to the track being chopped down.

In February this year, rail bosses agreed to plant a new section of conifers to replace those that had been removed.

The meeting of Hazlemere residents is set to take place on Thursday at 8pm.

Network Rail has advised anyone with any questions or points to raise to contact its national helpline on 03457 114 141.