A MAN living next to Alton railway station has complained of diesel trains idling in the station and causing noise and air pollution.

Paul Dunwell has told East Hampshire District Council's environmental health officer that a diesel engine was idling in Alton station from midnight to 2am on Friday and Saturday with its engine running.

His concern was for the noise and fumes from the engine causing disturbance and presenting a health risk for residents living close to the line.

He also claims that diesel engines are used regularly on a Sunday afternoon in connection with the Watercress Steam Line – but they are claims denied by the Mid Hants Railway, with Network Rail considered more likely responsible for the overnight problem as they undertake essential engineering work on the line between Alton and Farnham.

Mr Dunwell's fears have been fuelled by news from the World Health Organisation that exhaust fumes from diesel engines are 'definitely a cause of lung cancer and may also cause tumours in the bladder'.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.