Sir – While I am supportive of the upcoming Oxford Parkway Rail Station and the investment in the line from Oxford to Bicester, I am writing to echo the concerns of Wolvercote residents on the potential impact of the works on their quality of life. In particular those who live in Lakeside and Quadrangle House.

The East-West Rail project which has now been agreed by the Government will mean more freight as well as passenger trains.

The freight trains are the ones which cause the most vibration and noise, and, furthermore, until the line is electrified in 2018, there will also be an increase in diesel fumes.

In the recent public meeting organised by councillor Jean Fooks, residents have been vocal in calling for more planting along the line to reduce vibrations and pollution.

However, while Chiltern have the necessary permissions and approvals for this work, and say they are committed to mitigation of both noise and vibration, they have yet to reassure residents with a concrete plan for how they will actually achieve this.

Lib Dems are actively pressing Chiltern and Network Rail to be more communicative about the mitigation measures prior to the start of the works, which will begin with vegetation clearance as soon as this summer.

While this is an important step in improving Oxford's transport infrastructure as a whole, local residents must be assured that every precaution is being taken to ensure they will not be unduly disrupted.

We are committed to continuing to press this case on their behalf.

Layla Moran, Lib Dem prospective Parliamentary candidate, Oxford West and Abingdon Oxford