Villagers who feel their rural lives are being 'wrecked' by the Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) will be able to voice their concerns at a public meeting.

Problems raised by Thuxton homeowners include excessive parking near the church, on the narrow road near the railway crossing, and towards Railway Farm, by MNR volunteers and enthusiasts.

Other issues are workers on the track, the removal of trees between back gardens and the track and the time spent building a new signal box, mess room and toilets on the platform.

The meeting, organised by the village, will be held at Thuxton Church on Tuesday, October 9, from 7pm and will be attended by MNR representatives.

Speaking for the village, Sara Crosse, 50, said: 'The main problem is the MNR don't discuss things with us. That makes it difficult. We as villagers feel the life we chose here has been wrecked.'

She added the problems have built up over the last three years.

Mrs Crosse, who runs Crosse and Co Payroll, said trees at the back of her garden which backs on to the track were removed three years ago when the MNR added a passing loop, doubling the track. She said she has lost some privacy. The parking has prevented people from accessing their driveways and has made the narrow road near the railway crossing dangerous, according to Mrs Crosse.

She added many villagers are concerned about their security as MNR volunteers and Community Payback offenders work on the line and can see into homes and gardens.

But Mrs Crosse said she does not have a problem with the MNR passenger trains, which make a 'lovely noise'.

Leslie Dale, from the MNR, said the trees were removed to accommodate the loop and volunteers who work on the line sometimes park close to the crossing because of heavy tools.

He added: 'We can only apologise to the people of Thuxton that the building job is taking a long time.'

Mr Dale said new toilets are 'desperately needed' on the platform.