Residents who were said to be subjected to anti-social behaviour from railway workmen have been awarded £2,000 compensation.

It was announced at a Rivenhall Parish Council meeting that Railtrack were awarding the pay-out.

Complaints against the workmen who were carrying out signalling work more than two years ago included claims that labourers were urinating in broad daylight.

An elderly woman was said to be shocked when one worker "mooned" at her after she complained about the behaviour at Oak Road.

It was also claimed workmen parked their vans on grass verges and the parish council noticeboard and commemorative bench were damaged after a van reversed into it.

It is believed the compensation will cover these repairs.

Rivenhall Parish Council chairman Bob Turner, who launched a bid for compensation, said: "We have struggled for a long time to get the compensation and we are pleased it has been resolved.

"It has taken more than two years and it is a shame it has taken so long.

"The behaviour was unacceptable and we were determined not to let it go."

A spokeswoman for Railtrack said: "Some of the workers are not directly employed by us but they are still expected to adhere to our code of practice.

"They are working on our behalf and as such are required to behave in an appropriate manner. We take all allegations very seriously to ensure the correct action is taken."

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