AN investigation has been launched into why rail bosses cut part of a Teesside community off from the outside world.

Allens West level crossing which lies between Eaglescliffe and the A66, was closed during two consecutive weekends for engineering work that did not go ahead.

The first programmed closure was cancelled 15 minutes into its implementation, but no-one told residents.

The second closure the following weekend was cancelled moments after workers arrived on site.

A third scheduled closure, earmarked for this week, was cancelled because previous work had not gone ahead.

The level crossing separates the private Kingsmead housing estate from the rest of Eaglescliffe and the pubs and restaurants of Yarm.

Ward Councillor John Fletcher said: "It's very confusing; people don't know whether they are coming or going. It's a long way to get around if you need to be on the other side of the crossing.''

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "We were due to carry out some track work planned, including Allens West level crossing and that necessitated road closures.

"Unfortunately, we had to defer the work until the next financial year. As the work was not going ahead, we obviously had to cancel the road closures.''

"However, the cancellations should have been notified sooner and we are looking into why that was not done."

She said: "We apologise to everyone who was effected and had their journeys disrupted. It is something we are discussing with the team."

Rail maintenance company Jarvis is to meet residents who have been kept awake by track-laying work on the other side of Eaglescliffe, at Eaglescliffe Junction.

A couple with three young children moved into a nearby hotel to escape the din with Jarvis picking up the bill.

"Network Rail and Jarvis take the concerns of line side residents very seriously," said a spokesman who added that a director in charge of works had ordered a meeting to be set up.

"People have been particularly unlucky. They caught it with two separate sections of work - line track renewal and also at the same time replacement of switches and crossings.

"They have caught it in the neck," he said.