RESIDENTS in a Newport street said they were being driven to tears by noisy workmen repairing rail track near their homes during the middle of the night.

Locals on Wells Close, Gaer, described how they were unable to sleep because of the sound of machines and high-powered cutting equipment being used by workers just yards from their home.

Work to lay and align new track in preparation for the opening of the Ebbw Valley rail link began six weeks ago without warning.

Residents say workmen have been at the site near the Park junction almost every night, often talking loudly and using machinery.

Hannah Berry, 26, of Wells Close, who has two young children, Callum, aged six months, and Alex, aged one, said: "I was on the phone to Network Rail at 2am the other morning.

"I just broke down in tears because I couldn't take it anymore.

"The children can't sleep. It has been an absolute nightmare for everyone. People are having to take days off work simply because they are so tired."

Network Rail yesterday issued an apology to residents but could not confirm when the work will be finished.

Residents received a letter after the work started saying work would be finished by September 20 but that date was not met.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We are very sorry for the disturbance and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Although we are not legally obliged to provide advance notification of our works, our engineering teams and contractors have made efforts to notify residents."

"I would like to assure you that Network Rail acknowledges that our works may cause a degree of disruption to lineside neighbours, and that we make a continuous effort to alleviate this as far as possible."

Several residents have contacted a dedicated 24-hour National Helpline to complain about the work.