Dear Sir,

May I, through Newton News, raise an issue which is causing my wife and I some severe disturbance. Over three months we have experienced a very annoying noise, an invasive sound which penetrates our home making sleeping undisturbed impossible.

I have walked, in what I believe to be the direction of the source of the noise, at all times of the day and throughout the night, to the north of the Business Park. The noise is particularly disturbing late evening and through the night, due to the absence of other incidental sounds, such as traffic.

From my home in Welbury Grove, along Ross Walk to Moore Lane and the A167 the noise is distinct, following the footpath to Clarence Chare and passing the entrance to St. Georges Close, the noise is quite alarming and clearly coming from the Business Park; continuing along Clarence Chare to Clarence Green the noise is persistent and unpleasant, I sympathise with those residents who have to endure such a disturbance.

I have been informed there has been some comments passed to Great Aycliffe Town Council about a strange noise affecting some households with a south westerly elevation facing open areas in the Shafto area, but people are unaware of where the noise comes from. Durham County Council (DCC), who are responsible for investigating noise pollution, have not received any complaints.

With the environment very much in peoples mind and an issue which is given great prominence by DCC, noise pollution should be given the same level of consideration, due to the effects it may have on the people who reside in areas affected by industrial noise. Physical health due to sleep deprivation, hearing difficulties and mental health because of repeated exposure are likely to be compromised.

All responsible employers now protect their employees from hazards in the workplace, through rigorous health and safety procedures, and these should extend to others who may be affected by the activity of the business.

I would be very interested to hear from others who have been similarly affected.

R Clarke