RESIDENTS living close to the railway are being told to prepare for several months of disruption as the next stage of the Great Western Line electrification starts in Swindon.

In the coming weeks, Network Rail will start to lay the foundations on the track between South Marston and Royal Wootton Bassett in preparation for a new fleet of trains.

This work is nature noisy and must be completed at night when trains are not running for safety reasons.

To minimise the disruption as much as possible for those living nearby, Network Railway is working closely with both Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to carry out on-site noise monitoring and will also be installing equipment to reduce the sound made by the piling process.

The next phase of the project is scheduled to start on April 23 and will last until the summer so locals are being kept informed as to what is happening.

This includes sending letters to those who live close to the railway, follow-up visits from Network Rail representatives to enable residents to find out more about piling, and information events in Swindon town centre.

Paul Fountaine, Network Rail’s project director for line of route electrification, said: “Piling is an essential part of our work to electrify the railway, but it is also noisy.

“That's why we want to give our neighbours as much notice as possible and will continue working closely with both councils to do all we can to minimise the disruption.

“In the meantime, I’d like to encourage anyone who wants to know more about our work, or who has a question, to come along to one of our information events in Swindon town centre; everyone is welcome.

“Installing these foundations means the residents of Swindon and its surrounding area are a step closer to the long-term benefits that electrification will bring.

“These include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and cleaner air for those who live close to the railway.

“Faster journeys and the ability to move more people by train will also benefit businesses in the area, helping to drive economic growth across the south west.”

Several events are being held on Canal Walk on Tuesday and Wednesday this week so anyone can ask questions. They will run from 9.30am until 4pm.

In recent months, work on a number of bridges around Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett has caused disruption, with the closure of a section of Rodbourne Road being the latest.

However, Network Rail say the electrification will have numerous benefits for Swindon, including faster and more frequent trains to London.