Rail towers that sprang up in just a weekend are forcing residents out of their homes
A COUPLE say they are being forced out of their home of 42 years after two 28ft-high concrete railway towers “sprang up” at the bottom of their back garden. Andy and Susan Wells were left horrified when the work on the two lift structures was completed and unveiled last weekend.
Two 28ft-high concrete railway towers 'sprang up' at the bottom of Andy and Susan Wells' back garden
The “monstrous” grey stacks – part of a footbridge at the new £13million Maghull North rail station in Liverpool – has ruined their view.
The couple say the value of their £220,000 property has now fallen by 30 per cent.
Mr Wells, 67, said yesterday: “The towers went up very quickly and the view from our bedroom window has been wrecked.
“We moved into the house in 1976.
“My neighbours have been reduced to tears and we are at breaking point.
The value of our house has fallen by around 30 per cent and could lose even more
“They look like something out of World War Two, like watch towers.
“I’ve heard there are plans to cover them in bricks and paint them black.
“They will be hideous.”
He added: “The value of our house has fallen by around 30 per cent and could lose even more.”
Residents have been angered by the builders working day and night to get the station finished before it opens in May.
Mr Wells claims they are losing sleep because of noisy diggers and floodlights
They started last October.
Mr Wells claims they are losing sleep because of noisy diggers and floodlights.
Mrs Wells has also just had a tumour removed.
“My wife woke up at 4am the other night and said, ‘I can’t do this any more.
“Let’s sell up’,” he said.
Mrs Wells has just had a tumour removed
“We’ve both been suffering from sleep deprivation.
“Imagine trying to sleep with those diggers on the go.”
Merseytravel said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by residents in close proximity to Maghull North station.
“Due to the nature of the work, the only realistic and safe option is to carry it out during the night when trains are not running.
"We understand this is a significant disruption to those residents.
“Both ourselves and Network Rail have kept in constant dialogue with the residents.”