Still no sleep

8:58am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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A bleary-eyed Capel Hendre couple say they are still suffering sleepless nights due to the noise coming from a neighbouring ice cream factory.

Pensioners David and Patricia Byrne, of Coopers Road, told the Guardian last week how their lives had been made a misery by the constant din from a refrigerator lorry at the nearby Franks ice cream factory.

Despite the county council issuing Franks with a formal notice to reduce the noise, no action has yet been taken.

"The fridges were turned off for all of eight hours on Wednesday while we had the recording equipment from the environmental agency," said David Byrne, 78.

"As soon as the equipment was taken away on Thursday morning, the noise started again. We are desperate to get this noise stopped, but Franks haven't responded to the notice.

"A gentleman from the environmental agency came round on Monday night to install the recording equipment.

"He was amazed at the amount of noise coming from the factory and couldn't believe they were still going even after they had been warned. He heard the changing of the trailers at midnight too, which is a very noisy process.

"Apart from those eight hours off, the noise has been non-stop. My wife has even been prescribed tranquillisers by her doctor to help her sleep."

A county council spokesman said: "The allegations of noise pollution are still being investigated. Following the official period of recording, which finished last week, we have made several day and night visits to see if there has been any improvement.

"This follow-up monitoring has to be conducted over a period of time before any decision is taken if a prosecution has to be considered."

The Guardian website has received a huge response to last week's story, with some readers stating that they would even consider boycott ing Franks' ice cream products in future.

"We would like to thank everyone for expressing their support," said Mr Byrne. "It's a reminder there are still decent people about."

Franks had no comment.