Fears over noisy night works at Twickenham station sent neighbours packing as they took up Network Rail’s offer of alternative accommodation – but things turned out OK in the end.

Two of three consecutive weekends of through-the-night work have taken place, with contractors Osborne sticking to its informal promise of finishing by Sunday evenings so far. 

Most residents of St Mary’s Terrace and Candler Mews took up Network Rail and Richmond Council’s joint offer of alternative accommodation for the weekend, including putting people up at the Lensbury Club hotel.

A St Mary’s Terrace Residents’ Association spokesman said: “Most people did move out for the weekend and the alternative accommodation offer was well-received.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Vince Cable for speaking to Network Rail and securing the accommodation.

“The agreement to complete work by Sunday evening was upheld too.”

Ray Thomas and wife Sue, who have lived in St Mary’s Terrace for 40 years, could not leave because they have pets.

Mr Thomas said: “It was much better than anticipated, but there are still concerns over security. If you have got people all going off to the hotel, that leaves houses empty and unprotected.

“We had a spate of gardening burglaries and if no one is in, they can come into the house – they offered no security back-up.”

The work is due to continue on September 27 before further work on November 9.

The station will be closed on those days, with no service between Richmond and Feltham and Teddington, diversions via Hounslow and a replacement bus service.