Metrolink shaker

SHAKEN: Dennise Worsley and daughter Kelly surveying the cracks at their home

A HOUSE has been shaking “like being in an earthquake” since Metrolink work started in Shaw, a homeowner claims.

Dennise Worsley, whose property backs on to the tram works, has been putting up with vibrations since the summer — and is worried her home could be damaged, since cracks have appeared.

Dennise, (47), of Oswald Road, said: “I am getting the same feeling in the house as when we had a small earthquake a few years ago. We physically move sometimes when work is going on, and it is getting worse.”

Dennise, a technical officer at Royal Oldham Hospital, is furious that Transport for Greater Manchester, which is in charge of the Metrolink scheme, has done nothing to stop the problem, she claims. Dennise, who has lived in the property for more than 20 years, fears the structure of her home is being affected.

She said: “There is a big crack running down the wall underneath a window.

“I am worried this could be very expensive. Yes, we have house insurance, but why should I go through them with Transport for Greater Manchester not even having a look first.”

TfGM told the Chronicle the complaint by the Worsley family has been investigated and “vibration monitoring” has been carried out by contractor MPT.

A TFGM spokesperson said: “This showed that vibration levels remained well below the British standard — indeed, they did not exceed MPT’s self-set threshold, which is a third lower.

“Vibration levels below the British standard are not considered substantial enough to cause any cosmetic damage and, as a result, MPT does not believe any damage has been caused by the works carried out in this area. We have explained this to Mr and Mrs Worsley in writing but would be happy to sit down and talk to them to discuss this further.”