Dear Sir, To: All those affected by factory noise emanating from Gestamp. I, too, live in the Travellers Green/Clarence Chare area that has been blighted by noise at all hours of the day (don’t mind) and night (mind a lot!). The particular noise that seems to be causing the most offence is a high-pitched drilling sound that has been going on for several months now. The crashing of steel noise also heard doesn’t bother us as much; it is repetitive but not intrusive. The problem with the highpitched noise is how closely it resembles a siren/alarm. It jolts you awake every time you drift off to sleep because we are programmed to wake up for noises we associate with danger (like sirens/ alarms). I lost patience with the noise a couple of weeks ago, when I was still wide awake at 3.30am in the morning. I have now contacted Durham County Council who have a duty to investigate whether factory noise is intrusive or not. If all of those affected also do this, it makes for a much more robust complaint. Gestamp have a global turnover in excess of six billion pounds. I am sure they can afford some additional soundproofing. I think the drill, or whatever it is that is making the noise, was added after the factory was built, and as a result the sound-proofing they have is ineffective at toning down such a high-frequency noise. I would also like to draw readers attention to Gestamps’ factory in Wales which has also frustrated local residents with problems similar to ours. If we all make them aware how frustrating it is to be constantly sleepdeprived they might be more inclined to do something about it. Name & address supplied
Gestamp Tallent Responds . . .
Newton News contacted Gestamp and received the following response: Dear Sir, As an organisation we take our responsibilities to our neighbours and the environment very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that we work alongside and cooperate with businesses and residents alike in resolving any issues that may arise from our plant. If the author of the letter would like to contact John Lanaghan the Site Facilities Manager at Gestamp, we will investigate the complaint and work with the resident to find an agreeable solution. Brian Rees HR Manager Gestamp Tallent
