Angie Tomlinson says the work has left her festive plans "in limbo"

Network Rail says a �1m scheme to replace a road bridge over the main London to Bristol railway line will cause disruptively high noise levels.

The company has offered affected residents of Goring, near Reading, �100 a couple, per day, to stay in a hotel.

But residents say they are angry about the timing and level of compensation.

We have consulted with local people during the planning of these works Network Rail

Angie Tomlinson and her husband Frank live in Red Cross Road, about 50m from the bridge.

The couple said the work has left them "in limbo" about what to do at Christmas.

"We have grown-up children and we can't just go and impose ourselves on them," said Mrs Tomlinson.

"Network Rail said the noise would be about 80 decibels, the same as a train passing, but the problem is it will be constant."

"And what about the security of our homes? Either they need to offer a decent level of compensation or delay the work until after Christmas."

Resident Jane Dean added: "I live within 100m of the bridge but we've not been told about anything that is going on."

No payment obligation

The work on the Wallingford Road Bridge is timed to start on Christmas Eve and is expected to last three days. Between 20 and 30 homes are affected.

In a statement, Network Rail said it was under no legal obligation to offer a payment to residents but it had been done out of courtesy and to "help cause as little disturbance as possible".

It read: "The Wallingford Road Bridge, in Goring, is in need of reconstruction to ensure the safety of both road and rail users.

"The bulk of these essential works need to take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day because this is the only time when trains are not running.

"We have consulted with local people during the planning of these works and have made it clear throughout that some noise and disruption can be expected."