THE extension of a factory that would create 40 jobs has been welcomed despite fears about noise pollution.

People living near the Metallink Fluid Power Systems factory in Prospect Road, Crook, told councillors that noise coming from the business had become unbearable.

One resident, who lives near the factory, pleaded with councillors to consider the quality of life for him and his neighbours at a meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee, in Crook.

He said: "Over the past two to three years our quality of life has been nibbled at and nibbled at. We are desperate. What we would like is to be able to sleep at night.''

Planning officers revealed that environmental health officers were investigating the cause of the noise pollution in the area.

Council leader Councillor Olive Brown said she had every sympathy with the residents but felt that the problem would be eased once the extension to the factory was built.

She said: "There will be regulations to ensure that the noise is monitored. I know that this is a responsible company and I feel that if we work together with the residents and the company this can be resolved.''

A company spokesman said the extension would see them making a £3m investment in Crook.

He said the company had endeavoured to take residents into consideration as far as possible while trying to meet the requirements needed to extend the factory.

The proposals come almost a year after the town was devastated by the loss of 87 jobs when J Barbour and Sons announced it was to close its factory last January.