Residents have reacted after being kept awake by ‘loud banging noises’ this morning (May 31).

Planned works on the Blackpool to Preston line, carried out by Network Rail, meant that numerous calls were placed to police by those concerned about the source of the noise.

The work being done is known as piling and is a noisy activity as it involves driving steel piles deep into the ground so the line can be electrified.

Those affected by the noise resulted in readers posting their complaints to the Blog Preston page.

Anne Dewes said: “Why, when it is so noisy, do they not do it during the day and put a replacement bus service on? I live over a mile away from the train line and it woke me up so god help any one living near it.”

Corrine Downes said: “It was a terrible noise followed by a massive vibration when it was taking place near my home a couple of weeks ago.

“The letter stated a bit of noise, not that your whole house would shake waking all residents on the street.”

Katie Robertson added: “Cheers Network Rail, knackered again, I knew what it was cause it’s not the first time!

More: Why residents could hear ‘loud banging noises’ last night

“Only heard about meetings that took place a while ago after they kept me and my neighbours awake for two nights.

“How is this allowed? They should be paying our employers for holidays to catch up on sleep the day after at the very least.

“More meetings in a couple of weeks, I will be there.”

The complaints resulted in police issuing a statement. It said: “We are receiving a lot of calls regarding a loud noise described as ‘banging metal’ in the area of Lea & Savick in Preston.

“We have made some enquiries and can advise residents that the noise is due to planned works on the Blackpool – Preston railway line.”

Network Rail is holding a series of information evenings for residents to find out more about the piling process and the work.

They are being held:

Monday 19 June from 4pm to 7pm at Ashton Methodist Church, Wellington Road, Preston, PR2 1BU

Tuesday 27 June from 2pm to 6pm at Blackpool North station, Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 2AB

For further information contact Network Rail’s 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41