Bosses of the Sizewell C project have outlined the steps they are planning to take in a bid to reduce disruption to communities living along the East Suffolk rail line.

Much of the material for the new power station are due to be brought to the Sizewell C site by rail and last week's Network Rail masterplan for the next five years outlined how that would start.

A proposal to build a new loop at Wickham Market station which would have allowed freight trains to use the line during the day was ruled out years ago on cost grounds.

Now all the materials will have to be brought to Sizewell at night when there are no passenger trains running - and there are already proposals that they should not run through Leiston at night.

Now Sizewell C has emphasised its intention to ensure other communities: Woodbridge, Melton, Campsea Ashe and Saxmundham, do not face night-time disturbance either.

A Sizewell C spokesperson said: “Our transport strategy is designed to minimise disruption to residents.

"By moving at least 60% of our freight by sea and rail, we’ll significantly reduce the amount of construction traffic on local roads.

"We’re also working closely with Network Rail to deliver significant enhancements to the East Suffolk line, including track renewal to ‘Continuous Welded Rail’ to reduce noise impacts, and upgraded level crossings along the route.

"Freight trains operating to Sizewell will also be running at a maximum of 10mph through communities to further minimise noise impacts to local residents.

“Our transport plans are based on extensive feedback from East Suffolk communities over eight years of consultation, and are agreed with the local authorities, who we’ll continue to work closely with to ensure we coordinate activity.

“We also launched two Transport Forums this year– chaired independently with invited representatives of the local community – which focus specifically on transport issues and opportunities.

"So there will continue to be opportunities to discuss our transport strategy during the construction phase and ensure we reduce any impacts on local communities.”