Fury at freight train noise level (BBC News)
 

Noise from heavy coal trains on the Alloa rail link leads to a huge increase in complaints, Network Rail admits.

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I'm all in favour of freight being transferred to rail but in view of the fact that many of these residents were there before the line was re-opened I think they have got a valid complaint. Do power stations really need to have deliveries during the night? I always thought they had stockpiles.

If you realised how much coal some of the power stations use you would understand that using stock piles is not a viable option.
Ratcliffe-on-Soar uses 6,500 000 tons of coal a year work out yourself the daily/hourly use.

In BR days lots of goods trains were run at night when lines were less busy with passenger traffic.
Same as you John I think the residents have a valid complaint The train operators need to sort out the problems with the trains not the timetables.

I do realise how much coal power stations burn but I'm not really sure what that's got to do with stockpiles. Power stations usually have stockpiles to act as a buffer and I can't see why some of this can't be used during the night.

When I was a kid, I was woken up EVERY night by trains shunting in the local yard, but nothing was ever done about it. People have late night parties and BBQ's in the summer and never give a damn about the neighbours, so why are people complaining about freight trains making a little bit of noise?

In your situation the railway was there before you were. Your family knew what to expect when they decided to live by the railway.

I agree, people DO have late night parties and they should be reported also if it becomes a regular occurence.