Residents living close to the British Sugar site are continuing to experience problems with noise, councillors have said. Acomb councillors Tracey Simpson-Laing and David Horton have been contacted by a number of residents living in the area adjacent to the British Sugar site who are continuing to experience noise and vibration from the demolition taking place on the site.

Coun. Simpson-Laing comments:

"Earlier this year we had to inform residents that there would be no formal controls over the hours of demolition on the British Sugar site. This was due to the fact that it could not be tied to a planning application as none have yet been submitted. Councillor Horton and I were assured, by council officers, that British Sugar would work at reasonable times. However, residents have contacted us and said that work has started on site before 7am on a number of occasions".

Coun. David Horton notes:

"A number of residents in the area are shift workers and they are being affected by the noise from the site, which is irregular. We have also had calls from residents who are concerned about vibration damage to their homes. I understand that council officers have visited at least one resident and explained that they could get a private survey to undertake a before and after condition survey, but this would be at residents' own expense.

Coun. Simpson-Laing has also been asked by residents how the large concrete silos on the site will be demolished and whether this would be carried out using explosives.

"I have been asked how the larger structures will be taken down, as the concern from residents is whether explosives will be used. I would ask that British Sugar consider residents during the demolition and re-landscaping period and I would suggest that they draw up a timetable of work, detailing when high levels of noise and vibration will be experienced".

Acomb ward councillors are requesting that British Sugar produces a full timetable of work, stating start and finish times of work and any times when high levels of noise are expected to be experienced.