Hundreds of complaints over depot's noise and dirt (From Your Local Guardian)

Hundreds of complaints over Morden depot Rapid Ready Mix's noise and dirt

8:47am Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Merton By Craig Burnett

Fed up: Morden residents angered by Rapid Ready Mix

Furious residents have criticised a construction company for blighting their neighbourhood with noise and dirt.

Hundreds of people have complained of excessive noise at Morden concrete supplier Rapid Ready Mix, allegedly caused by machinery, workmen and lorries at its Garth Road depot.

More than 200 people have signed a petition calling for action, and about 50 gathered for a meeting about the problem earlier this month.

But a spokesman for the company said the complaints were the result of “total ignorance”.

Lynmouth Avenue resident Barry Cahill said: “Surely this type of industry would be better served on a heavy use industrial estate where families are not affected?”

Last Friday (September 16) a public consultation ended on the business’s bid for an air emissions licence – which it will need to continue its work, although it has been operating without it for more than a year.

Merton Council is also investigating complaints about dust and noise.

Mr Cahill said the business was in operation seven-days-a-week, with trucks arriving as early as 7am and leaving as late as 10pm – many spilling rubble on to nearby roads.

He said noise had left many residents unable to enjoy their gardens over the summer.

His views were backed by Councillor Maurice Groves, who said: “There’s a lot of dust and noise. It’s not the sort of industry that ought to be located right in the heart of a residential area.”

Coun Groves said Rapid Ready Mix had been approved to use the site on the basis it was a similar business to the metal plant that was there previously, but the councillor claimed the new operation had a much bigger impact on residents.

A council spokesman said the decision about whether to grant the emissions licence was expected in about 12 weeks.

Rapid Ready Mix spokesman Rob Harverson said the complaints showed “total ignorance”.

He denied the site produced excessive noise and said regular cleaning and cutting-edge technology meant it created a minimum amout of dust.

He said the company might be being blamed for disruption caused by about 20 other industrial sites and builders’ yards nearby.

He said: “I’d invite every resident to contact me directly and visit our premises.”

Have you visited the premises? What do you think? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: cburnett@london.newsquest.co.uk.