RESIDENTS of Heol Llwchwr, Pantyffynnon, have received the support of local MP Jonathan Edwards after Network Rail installed what residents describe as a "prison-compound" railing at the rear of their properties.

Mr and Mrs Westcott (pictured) and their neighbours at Heol Llwchwr told their MP of the railings being erected without proper consultation, and said they were shocked to see workmen at the back of their gardens working without notification.

The principle complaints of local residents concentrate on the poor installation of the railings which is entirely uneven to look at, and the towering height of the structure – significantly higher than the former fencing at the location, and higher than other sections of railings along the line.

Recently Mr Edwards convened a meeting with representatives of Network Rail where residents put their dissatisfaction directly to the company.

Speaking after the meeting on Friday, September 30 Jonathan Edwards MP said: "I have tremendous sympathy with residents who have lived peacefully next to the line for decades, with no support from Network Rail to maintain the boundary, who are now enduring a colossal-sized railing in comparison.

"As well as being incredibly large, the railing has not been installed properly, with a gap underneath and is unstable in one section, bringing a great safety risk to residents.

"Even if residents were happy with the railings, it has been installed in the wrong place, leaving a clear walkway behind each property, so much so that it allows anyone to access properties from the back. The railings, described by one resident today as 'like being in guantanimo bay', is simply unacceptable.

"I'm grateful to the representatives of Network Rail for accepting my invitation to meet residents and hear directly their concerns. I'm also grateful that they have apologised for their lack of proper engagement with residents. They have gone from today's meeting with a clear picture of the problems and I hope they will respond in due course with a favourable set of actions to put things right."