A MUM says TWO YEARS of constant engineering work by Network Rail have left her fearing for her son's health.

 

Kelly Graham's son Kai suffers from nonverbal Autism and the 7-year-old becomes distressed by high noise levels.

Network Rail is demolishing and replacing a bridge over the west coast mainline, close to her home in Cambuslang.

However, separate works have also been carried out recently to renew nearby Newton junction.

Kelly says Kai is unable to sleep because of frequent overnight work and claims they have no warning when it is being done. She said Kai missed four days of school in one week because he hadn't slept.

The mum says she has sent letters to Network Rail from her son's school and psychologist, expressing concerns about the adverse effect on his health.

Network Rail say they are sympathetic to Kelly's plight but that the work is essential and said the house is located next to the West Coast Mainline, one of Europe's busiest train lines.

The rail authority said it has offered the family temporary accommodation and built noise barriers and that all residents were notified about the works.

Kelly, who is also mum to Ava 5, said: "This has been going on for two years. It's horrendous.

"Kai is nonverbal. He can self-harm if he becomes very distressed.

"He missed four days of school last year due to it.

"I have met with them and their attitude is, "we are doing it and that's that."

"They say they don't have to tell us when work is being carried out.

"I wish I could move but there is no way I could sell the house now.

"They have put a noise barrier up but it's not high enough to make any difference.

"My garden is falling away at the bottom because they have cut all the vegetation away for the work.

"I can't get my kids out into the garden to play."

James Kelly, MSP for Rutherglen, said: "If people are being inconvenienced they should be due some form of compensation."

Network Rail said work to replace the bridge is due to be completed by September.

A spokesman said: "We understand the disruption that our engineering works can cause, but demolishing and rebuilding the bridge is a complex project and one that cannot be delivered without using heavy machinery or causing noise.

"The project team met with the resident to discuss her concerns and have offered a range of measures to try to help mitigate against disruption - including noise barriers at the rear of the property, a commitment to replanting semi-mature trees to replace vegetation removed as part of the work and an offer to provide alternative accommodation during the most significant periods of engineering work.

"The track at this location is part of the west coast main line, one of the busiest lines Europe, and periodic work to keep the railway fit for purpose is unavoidable."