RAIL chiefs have promised to investigate ways of reducing disruption caused by train drivers sounding their horns on approaching and leaving Menston Railway Bridge.

Villagers living alongside the busy Wharfedale line have been angry since Network Rail redesignated the bridge a tunnel earlier this year.

Although only 38 yards long, it means that Arriva Trains drivers are obliged to sound their horns - and it all adds up to 480 times a day between 6.15am and 11.35pm.

Residents and Menston Community Association have complained and the case was been taken up by Coun Audrey Brand.

Now she has been told by a spokeswoman for Arriva Trains: "I can confirm that this is a bridge structurally. However, our drivers have been instructed by Network Rail to use the same safety precautions as a tunnel - e.g. sounding their horns in or out of the tunnel."

She also confirmed that whistle boards had been placed on either side of the bridge to tell drivers to sound their horns. However, the drivers have been urged not to sound their horns for long periods.

Network Rail says that drivers had to sound their horns to warn any railway staff or members of the public on or near the line of the approaching train.

"Because of the restricted clearances involved and also reduced sighting available, this is an important precaution." said the Arriva spokeswoman. The area production manager of Network Rail says he cannot personally redesignate the bridge and remove the order for warnings to be sounded.

"A potential risk to rail staff was identified some years ago and he cannot remove a control measure mitigating that risk," said the Arriva spokeswoman.

However, she said that there had been a significant change in track worker safety rules last December and it was possible that an alternative to the use of train horns could be found in the new procedures. The issue is now being looked at by safety experts in York.

"It is hoped that they can find a way to maintain track worker safety and minimise disturbance to the local residents," said the Arriva spokeswoman. "However, this needs to be thoroughly investigated and all necessary risk assessments carried out before any implementation could be made.

Coun Brand said yesterday that she was pleased the issue was being looked at seriously. "However, I hope they will follow this up and bring back something that will restore peace and quiet along the line.

"The residents are upset and you can understand it if they are subjected to all this noise while sitting in their gardens. Trains have been travelling on this line for years without any accidents and I would be happiest if its designation was changed back to a bridge and the horn sound omitted."