A level crossing alarm in Sandwich has sparked anger among residents who claim it is far too loud.

A group of residents from Ash Road and the surrounding area are campaigning to have the alarm turned down after it was installed in January by Network Rail.

Residents say the level of noise is painful, with one child having to move rooms because they couldn’t sleep at night.

A site meeting was held last Wednesday with MP for South Thanet Laura Sandys in attendance.

She said: “It’s not fair that a child should have to change bedrooms because a siren that has been installed without consultation is keeping them awake at night. Whilst rail safety is always an absolute priority, there are other ways to make crossings safer and a physical barrier could be far more effective.

“I’ve asked Network Rail for an urgent meeting and a review of this crossing because of the serious impact that it is having on quality of life.”

Network Rail has apologised that there was no public consultation before the alarm was fitted - but there has been no move to remove it or turn the noise levels down.

Mike Matthews, of Ash Road said: “The noise level almost reaches the threshold of pain. It’s louder than the incoming train.

“Some of the residents have had to move bedrooms because they can’t sleep. It can be heard 500 metres away and as far as the Butts.”

According to Network Rail’s own guidelines the sounders are for crossings that have a high pedestrian frequency and high levels of abuse or misunderstanding.

Residents claim this is not the case at Ash Road and believe that no assessment was made before the alarm was fitted.

Another resident Tony Auffret said: “We stood there for over an hour and there were no pedestrians or cars.”

At the site meeting, one resident claimed he has lived on Ash Road for 47 years and has never seen an incident on the level crossing.

Mr Matthews added: “It appears that this programme has been rolled out nationally without any regard to local residents.

“It’s very difficult to get them to accept that this entire concept is a serious misjudgement.”

Ms Sandys explained she will be meeting with Network Rail in Westminster to discuss the issue.

Chris Denham, media relations for Network Rail said: “We understand the concerns of our neighbours in Ash Road and we will continue to work with them to find a solution.

“Safety is our priority and we have to find a balance between a volume that is acceptable to residents, while also providing a good level of safety at the level crossing.

“We recognise that we should have informed our neighbours of the changes to the crossing and we apologise that this wasn’t done.”