RESIDENTS who fear dualling a rail line will mean more fumes pumped into homes and gardens were due to put their case at a public inquiry today.Householders in the London Road and Ranelagh Road area of Ipswich are worried a big increase in freight on the Felixstowe-Ipswich line will mean more trains using a refuelling depot at the bottom of their gardens.

RESIDENTS who fear dualling a rail line will mean more fumes pumped into homes and gardens were due to put their case at a public inquiry today.

Householders in the London Road and Ranelagh Road area of Ipswich are worried a big increase in freight on the Felixstowe-Ipswich line will mean more trains using a refuelling depot at the bottom of their gardens.

The residents are already concerned at the noise and fumes pumped into their gardens and homes by idling trains - and say this will worsen in the years ahead.

But Felixstowe port officials will argue use of the re-fuelling station is not connected with their project and could grow even without extra rail-freight depending how use of the main line develops.

The two-week inquiry - taking place at Trinity Park, formerly Suffolk Showground - will also hear objections from residents living close to the line on the Felixstowe peninsula.

There are also outstanding concerns from Trimley St Martin Parish Council over changes to roads and footpaths.

Paul Davey, port corporate affairs manager, said there was overwhelming support for the principal of moving more cargo by rail than road.

“There are though still some points of concern to resolve and the inquiry is the chance for objectors to put their views and for us to make the case for the improvements to the rail line,” he said.

Today the inquiry was hearing details of the timetable and procedures and opening statements.

Independent inspector Christopher Tipping is examining plans to dual four-and-a-half miles of the line between Trimley Station and Potters Hole, just past the new Levington bridge.

Some footpaths may be diverted, the Croft foot crossing and Gun Lane level crossing closed forever, and a new road junction built at Grimston Lane-Thorpe Lane.

A new 830 metre marshalling yard will be built at Ipswich to cater for freight trains of 24 wagons.

Thirteen level crossings and foot crossings will be affected.