A MYSTERIOUS noise which woke residents up for two weekends in a row has been put down to railway works.

The Comet reported last week how residents in Hitchin had heard the loud “clanging”, but had no idea what it was.

However, since the story was published, readers have come forward offering explanations for the noise.

It appears it came from drilling into metal on the nearby railway line.

Reader David Hook said: “It sounds like pile driving to me. The knock you hear is the hammer hitting the nail.

“I think the theory of it occurring around the railway is the best bet.”

Some residents did receive letters about the planned works, but others had no warning.

Resident Emma Faulkner, who lives on the Poets Estate, said: “It was so loud last weekend that at 5.45am I got up and went for a run.

“I am sure it was emergency work but a little notification or an apology for the disturbance would have been good. It must have been awful for the residents near Riverian Bowls Club, it was really loud there.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We are carrying out overhead line improvements in the Hitchin area. We did carry out piling work and this was completed on July 14.

“It appears that some properties did not get the letters we sent out – we apologise for this and delivered additional letters.

“If residents have any concerns or want to get in touch with Network Rail they can call our 24-hour helpline on 08457 114141.”