Network Rail responds to criticism over Baildon landslip

Engineers have been at the scene since February 5 after cracks emerged in an embankment near the town's railway station.

As a result, all lines through Baildon remain shut and train services have been suspended while repairs continue to be carried out. 

Network Rail has previously said it expects services to resume in the middle of this month.

Engineers have been working Network Rail is working around-the-clock at the site of the landslip (Image: UGC)

A woman who lives near the site contacted the Telegraph & Argus today to raise concerns about "disruption" locally as a result of the ongoing work - and she complained about the communication from Network Rail "not being good enough". 

She said: "We understand they have an important job to do, but residents are also concerned about the level of disruption being caused by this locally – the lighting, the machinery.

"Generally, we don't think the communication from Network Rail about the situation has been good enough.

"Many residents - including me - would be very surprised if the line is actually reopen by mid-March."

A bird's eye view of the landslip (Image: Network Rail)

In response, a Network Rail spokesperson said: "This is a multi-agency incident and we are committed to keeping local residents informed on our progress to return train services in the area to normal.

"We have put mitigations in place to minimise noise disturbance, including the use of acoustic barriers, and want to thank residents for their continued understanding at this time."

According to Network Rail in the middle of last month, engineers were removing more than 2,500 tonnes of soil from the slope in a bid to relieve the pressure on the land and protect the railway line below.

Work was being carried out around-the-clock with specialist engineering trains being used on site.

Properties have been affected by the landslip and impacted occupants are continuing to be supported by Network Rail and its contractors while the work is carried out near their homes.

Richard Owens, infrastructure director for Network Rail's north and east route, described it as a "large-scale piece of work".

The Telegraph & Argus visited the site earlier this week and spoke to residents in the town.

Bill Woulds lives near the landslip but his property was not affected.

He said: "We've been here for nearly 30 years and we've never seen anything like this - it is rather worrying.

"We wish the people in the affected properties well."