An angry Ashington man has described how he had to miss work due to a lack of sleep after being kept up by overnight work on the new Northumberland railway line.
While the work has now stopped, workers are expected to return overnight in the future, much to the dismay of those living nearby.
Communication with residents has also been criticised, with some waiting weeks to hear back after raising complaints.
Read more: Woman's body found inside burned out car near Newcastle
Northumberland County Council and Network Rail explained the night shift work was necessary for the "safety" of workers and apologised for the disruption.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he understood the work had to be done but questioned why it had to be between the hours of 10pm and 5am.
He said: "Nobody is against the railway line, everyone is for it, but Network Rail has deemed appropriate to do night shift work. They've basically said tough, they're going to continue making the noise.
"They won't even consider doing it through the day. I've had two weeks of no sleep, I've had to take two days off work because I've had no sleep.
"The work goes on from 10.30 at night until five in the morning. Literally at one point, it was only 15 or 20 metres from my house. By work time you're exhausted.
"We've been told that there's going to be more occasions of it. We understand that the work has to be done and there's going to be a level of noise, but to be subjected to that at those times isn't acceptable."
He added he had been offered a hotel by Network Rail, but could not take it due to his personal circumstances.
Coun Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward on Northumberland County Council, lives some distance from the railway but could still hear the disruption.
She said: "I could hear the noise from my house so I jumped in my car and went down. You can see why people were complaining, the noise has been absolutely horrific.
"With all the heavy fog, the big machines and the noise, it was like a scene from Transformers. I've had a lot of complaints mainly about the noise.
"It is stopping now until the end of March, but we've been told it's going to be even worse then.
"My main problem is the lack of communication. Everybody is so supportive of the railway line, but it comes down to the communication between the powers that be and the residents.
"Yes, the work needs to be done but communication is key on this one. I just think that face to face point of contact is needed. They also need to get back to people who have complained quickly, not within two weeks.
"This is causing unnecessary problems and harm to people."
In a joint statement, Northumberland County Council and Network Rail explained the night shift work was necessary to protect workers.
A spokeswoman said: "We appreciate the patience of the public whilst we carry out track renewal work as part of the Northumberland Line project to ensure tracks are suitable for the reintroduction of passenger services from Ashington to Newcastle.
"Works have been planned around track access and essential safety works must be undertaken during the night, when there are no trains running. This is crucial to ensure the safety of our workers.
"Northumberland County Council wrote to residents, and along with partner organisations, visited properties in the area to advise of the planned works. A drop-in event was also held on 13 December in Wansbeck Square, giving residents the chance to ask questions and discuss the latest and upcoming works.
"Contractors are doing their best to keep noise to a minimum and we sincerely apologise for any disruptions caused to those living near the railway. More overnight work will need to be carried out at a later date, but residents will be informed prior to this work being carried out."
Read next:
- Blyth Tory MP won't be supporting bill to give free school meals to all primary children
- Northumberland Zoo welcomes critically endangered bats as part of vital breeding programme
- Northumberland farmer opens up on 'extremely difficult' times as costs skyrocket
- Northumberland Labour leader angered at lack of consultation over new Advance Northumberland board
- Huge Roman fort in Northumberland to be excavated in lottery-backed project
