RESIDENTS and rail bosses are on a collision course once again over plans to drive “huge” half-a-mile long freight trains just metres from their homes.

Just three months after controversial plans to extend two railway sidings were thrown out, train chiefs have launched a new bid to push through the scheme.

Network Rail say the plans, for Redbridge Wharf Park, will boost productivity at the city’s port by more than 35 per cent – by increasing train size.

As a compromise, train bosses have promised to invest more money in a new public space and use less land in their updated proposals.

But furious residents say they have not been listened to once more.

And they say their concerns remain over increased noise, pollution and fears their homes could be devalued.

One resident, Heather Boyes, who lives just metres from the railway line, on Tate Road, has even said she would consider moving if the plans are accepted.

The retired finance manager, who has lived in her current home for more than 25 years, said: “I’ve already considered leaving.

“Whenever these freight trains go past they produce a huge cloud of blue smoke which floods the whole area.

“If I’m outside I have to go indoors because I can’t breath.

“If there are bigger trains it’ll be even worse.”

Independent Redbridge councillor Andrew Pope, below, has also raised concern over the plans and promised to fight for residents.

He said: “I’m very unhappy these proposals have been submitted again.

“Network Rail has not listened to what residents want.

“These plans are not an improvement because they don’t address the issues residents raised last time.”

Labour councillors for Redbridge, Catherine McEwing and Lee Whitbread both echoed the concerns.

Councillor Whitbread added he was “annoyed” that the Network Rail had not consulted local councillors before re-submitting its proposals.

However, Network Rail has defended its resubmission, saying concerns raised in the previous proposals had been addressed.

A spokesperson for the company added the project was an “important investment” in a “crucial part” of the city’s economy.

Another to back to the proposal is Alastair Welch, above, director of Southampton Port.

He said: “We support the more efficient use of the rail infrastructure to enable longer trains to operate to and from the port.

“We have been working with Network Rail and the council over a number of years to further increase our rail share, which at 40 per cent for container traffic is the highest of any UK port.

“We understand that Network Rail had made changes to the scheme and it will be considered in due course.”