Debate over Bescot sleeper factory as thousands rally against plans

Campaigners are celebrating the fact that their online and paper petitions have around 3,850 signatures and will be showing their opposition to the factory – which will create 600,000 railway sleepers a year – to Sandwell Council on March 6.

They will also be holding a peaceful protest outside the council offices in Freeth Street, Oldbury, before the debate.

The development by Network Rail, which is set for the Friar Park area of Wednesbury, has been met with controversy because there is concern over air and light pollution and traffic along with the appearance of the plant.

Campaigner Jenny Lloyd said: “We are really excited and really pleased that we get to go to the councillors and explain the reasons why we oppose it. It is not just a ‘not in my backyard scenario’, there are genuine reasons.

“We want them to see they are dealing with people here not just a map.

“I reckon the petition will be 4,000-strong by the time we go to the meeting.” Ward councillor Simon Hackett said: “I am supporting them now and have supported them from the start.

“This is an opportunity to take their opposition to the development to all 72 councillors across Sandwell and have their voices heard.” The site sits directly alongside the M6 southbound just south of Junction 9. There were angry scenes as dozens of residents packed into a consultation event held by Network Rail as they unveiled early designs for the compound which they want to construct at the Bescot railway sidings in Friar Park.

Concerns were expressed about the potential environmental impact on people’s health, noise and traffic the facility could generate. RAIL.ONE, who will operate the site, stated the factory would replace the one in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, which is to be demolished to make way for the controversial HS2 line.

It would produce 600,000 concrete sleepers a year with the first rolling off the line as early as August 2019.