Dear Sir,

Another relaxing Sunday (30th June) was spoilt for the residents of Travellers / Clarence Green by the crash of steel every 15 seconds from 7 am until I went to bed at 10:45pm.

Strangely on a weekday when you would expect some noise the factory is so quiet you wouldn’t think it existed. Why is ths process only carried out at weekends and during the night? Why must we have our windows shut in order to get some peace?

In discussion with neighbours about this ongoing noise pollution another 2 questions arose:

1) Who granted permission for Tallents to close off Skerne Road/Groat Road and incorporate it into their factory? (These two roads are still listed as public highways). Did they puchase the land? For how much? and where did the money end up?

2) How are Tallents allowed to operate fork trucks after dark on public roads when they do not comply with Road Traffic Law regarding lighting?

Interesting points to which the residents of Aycliffe deserve an answer.

Neighbouring Resident

name and address supplied

Reply from Tallents . . .

 

The Company takes it’s obligations to the local residents and our neighbours very seriously and have been disappointed to receive a noise complaint from two residents.

In response to their concerns we have worked closely with the Neighbourhood Services Department of  Durham County Council, commissioned an  independent Environmental Noise Assessment and made some changes in work practices and times to resolve the matter to their satisfaction.  There are no ongoing issues with the Neighbourhood Services Department that we are aware of and will continue to monitor the situation.

The Company has enjoyed sustained growth in its 65 years on the Aycliffe Business Park and currently employees in excess of 1300 local people.

We do, and will continue, to fully comply with all legal requirements in all of our activities including Planning permissions for the changes that occur and most particularly the use of vehicles as the safety of our employees and our neighbours is of primary concern to us.

Gestamp Tallent Limited