A NEIGHBOURHOOD has hit out at a rail company for making their lives a misery.

Residents of Cherry Avenue in Langley say they are fed up of the large number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and cars that travel up and down their small street gaining access to railway tracks as part of Crossrail work carried out by Network Rail.

Shin Dhother, a member of Langley Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) said: "It's causing our lives misery and there are young children who play in these areas."

Although Slough Borough Council does not own the land so does not have control over what happens to it, a 'gentleman's agreement' was reached with Network Rail not to use the Cherry Avenue access point for works. However it appears that the agreement is not being adhered to.

Mr Dhother, also a resident in the road, said: "The residents are very upset that the council is not going to hold Network Rail to account. They're walking all over us, taking advantage of us. The residents have had enough."

He explained the issue has been going on for around five years but that in the last two years it has got considerably worse, but the land is now up for auction - giving residents a chance to take action and buy the land.

A Slough Borough Council spokesman said: “We have raised the issue with Network Rail again and they have reinforced the message with staff and contractors. However, the agreement is not legally enforceable."

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We have re- iterated to our contractors that they should not be using this access point at the moment."

The 0.04 of an acre is not currently owned by anyone so does not need a community asset transfer - anyone who wants to buy the land is able to.

The auction is set to take place on September 8, at Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen St, London with a guide price of £1,000.

The proceeds of the sale will go to the Treasury.