Speed bumps to go in bid to cut noise

Long-suffering residents welcome roadworks plan
residents have given a cautious welcome to a scheme aimed at reducing disruption caused by lorries delivering to a warehouse complex.

Long-suffering neighbours have been campaigning to stop delivery trucks rattling past their homes and businesses to the Shop Direct site in Shaw, at all hours of the day and night.

But at a meeting with local councillor Howard Sykes and council officers, residents were told that in an effort to reduce the noise, it has been agreed that the speed bumps and mini-roundabouts on Beal Lane will be removed.

Councillor Sykes said: “I objected when these measures were put in over 12 years ago but I am pleased that highway officers have at long last listened to local councillors and residents and will remove them in the planned refurbishment works.”

Councillor Jean Stretton said she appreciated that there has been noise and vibration problems for some time.

“We listened to the issues brought up by residents and have taken them on board,” she said.

“Removing the speed tables and the roundabouts should reduce noise from passing traffic and stop vehicles needing to slow down and then accelerate outside the premises in Beal Lane.”

Residents were told that the council has been working on these issues for a number of months and that their concerns would be taken into account when the resurfacing work is due to take place in July.

Gill Harkins, from the Oak House Hotel, who has led the residents’ campaign, said: “I feel like they are finally listening to us, which is good.

“The lorries are too big to go round the roundabout so they just go over it. I suppose that would stop some of the noise.

“But we were advised to individually write to VOSA to complain about the pollution and the noise and Councillor Sykes is going to arrange a meeting with Shop Direct.

“The council has said there is nothing they can do about stopping lorries using the road, but what we want is restrictions on the hours they can use it.”

Marco Nejad, who owns a local pizza business, said: “We are grateful that the council is trying to help us but all we want is restrictions during the night so we can sleep. The roadworks will only improve the situation by five per cent.”