RESIDENTS claim they are being driven to distraction by a company which makes so much noise that they dread getting up in the morning.

Residents of Sledwick Close, in Billingham, say that for five years they have had to put up with shopfitting company JCM, based in nearby Leeholme Road.

They say they have repeatedly complained about the noise.

However, they say that nothing has been done and the problem is getting worse.

Majorie Jones, who has campaigned for an end to the noise, said: "We have had meetings with the company and local councillors and are told it will be sorted. It is sorted for a week then it starts again.

"It is horrendous and we can't even sit out in our gardens in the summer because of the noise, or have our windows open. The whole noise echoes around the house.

"It is just metal banging against metal and it sounds like a series of explosions. It starts at 8am and goes on for hours and we have just had enough, We dread getting up in the morning."

Mrs Jones said the site was previously used as a warehouse, which never gave anybody any trouble.

She said: "We never heard anything until JCM took over and now we just want to live in peace. We dread getting up in the morning."

Ward councillor Alex Cunningham said a meeting had been arranged with JCM and residents for this week, following the latest bout of complaints.

He said: "Clearly the people there have been frustrated for too long by this situation. I have spoken to JCM and it is clear that they want a resolution, too. I know they have been discussing a number of ideas which will be put to the people of the area."

Malcolm Ibbotson, operations director of JCM Retail Services Ltd, said: "JCM has always tried to be a good neighbour and we are working closely with Stockton council to try to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

"We have already set up a meeting with local residents to discuss any issues face to face."

The public meeting will be held in the New Life Resource Centre on Low Grange, Avenue, on Friday, at 5pm.