ST ALBANS MP Anne Main has launched a strong attack on Network Rail, calling for bosses to be called to the inquiry to justify their support for the railfreight project.

She said: “Network Rail's evidence is on shaky ground – it should be treated with caution.

“I have no confidence in their blithe assurances.

“They should be here to answer questions in public.”

She said Network Rail had failed to explain how freight trains would be accommodated on the line, or how vital infrastructure improvements would be funded.

She said: “At Alconbury permission for a railfreight depot was granted but it was never built.

“It was then commuted into a huge housing development.

“That is exactly what we do not want to happen at Park Street where it would mean a massive loss of Green Belt.”

She said that because of the lack of rail paths, it was likely that most trains would leave the terminal at night, increasing the problems of noise and light pollution.

She criticised Helioslough for “threatening ” the council and Strife with an application for costs at an earlier meeting, prompting Mr Forsdick to interject: “It was not a threat – simply a statement of fact.

“The applicant is legally obliged to give notice of any intention to seek costs.”

Inspector Andy Meads provisionally refused Mrs Main's request for Network Rail's route director to be summoned to the hearing, but left it open for her to reapply later.