1. The secret monitoring is being carried out because any previous attempt to monitor the problem caused by the factory has resulted in an apparent cessation of works for the period of the monitoring.

We, the residents committee, made it clear that we were not satisfied that the council had taken adequate measures to deal with the matter.

Even an attempt by the company to demonstrate the press working at full power failed to produce the same noise/vibration that we complain of.

It is our belief that there has been no 'spirit of fairness' shown by Firth Rixson in this matter.

Any attempt by the council to negotiate a limited working programme with Firth Rixson whilst the matter is further investigated has been shunned by the factory.

A pretty disgraceful state of affairs considering this has been going on for ten years or more and any attenuation works carried out so far have had little or no effect on the noise/vibration problem.

2. This committee represents not a small minority of a large community but a very fair proportion of a small community whose lives are being made a misery by this problem.

The long term viability of the factory is a matter for the company and its workforce, not our group and we are frankly insulted by the attempt by Firth Rixson to misrepresent us in such a way.

We have expressed very clearly that we have no wish to see the factory close.

Whilst attempts appear to be being made by the factory to make us look like troublemakers we are merely seeking to be allowed to continue with our lives without the constant barrage of noise/vibration occurring every ten seconds whenever the complained of operation is being carried out.

As to the level of immediate local employment within the factory workforce I am unable to comment but I do not see why this should be used as a lever against us.

Philip White
On behalf of the Darley Dale
Residents Action Group
Dale Road North
Darley Dale