PA system criticised as 'constant noise'

It was meant to be an informative service for rail travellers at a South Staffordshire train station, but the new public address system is proving to be a big headache for nearby residents.

London Midland has installed new visual display units and speaker systems at Codsall Train Station near Wolverhampton, but home owners in neighbouring Station Road say the noise is a constant disruption.

The messages beamed out from speakers relate to platform alterations, no smoking and luggage reminders and arrival times.

Kate Rathbone, aged 61, says her life is interrupted up to four times a minute since the new system started last month.

She said: "It's not just the noise it's the constant disruption to your life, you are always anticipating the next announcement – I keep having to go out because I can't stand it."

South Staffordshire Council chief executive Steve Winterflood said: "We have received a complaint about the system. We are looking into it and we are trying to arrange a meeting with London Midland."

Nicola Moss, head of franchise management at London Midland, said: "We will happily talk to residents and try and resolve this issue to everybody's satisfaction."