Frustrated neighbours who have been kept awake from a ‘humming noise’ have called for authorities to step in to stop a constant droning noise that can be heard across Hucknall.
An online petition has called for ITP Aero and Ashfield District Council to take action and deal with the noise which has been affecting residents in the town for years. The petition has gathered dozens of signatures in which residents have said the noise 'is driving them insane’.
“It’s strange because some people can hear it and some can’t,” said 38-year-old Amy Adams.
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“I have heard it, I don’t know how to describe it, the noise is just there. I understand why people are so frustrated about it, I don’t hear it all the time but I know some people do.”
In February 2022 the sound was described like a "UFO hanging outside of your house”, as residents spoke out about the ‘mystery’ of the ‘humming noise’. But a year on, residents are still affected by the noise.
One local resident, who lives near the ITP Aero site and asked not to be named, said that the sound ‘varies from loud to quiet’. He said: “Sometimes it gets really loud to the point where it’s really annoying and you’re trying to sleep. It’s just the annoyance of it being constant.”
Paul Carr, owner of Watnall Road Car Centre, wasn't aware of the 'Hucknall Hum'. Mr Carr who has owned his business for around 40 years said: “I’ve not heard it. I’ll certainly be listening out for it, nothing has come to light about it and we’re here every day seven days a week.
"Years ago used to be Rolls-Royce engines but you got used to it, they would test engines. It’s different if you're living at home and you hear it, more concentrated on it. But no, we haven’t heard it. It’s strange, it’s a tough situation. But nothing has come to light for us."
In a statement from Ashfield District Council, a council spokesperson said: "We appreciate that residents have concerns about the 'hum'. That is why we have conducted a number of noise measurements at various times of the day. There is no current evidence of statutory noise nuisance but we will continue to monitor the situation. The Council will continue to work with businesses in the area to minimise the potential for noise.”
In May 2021, the site at Dorey Way transitioned from Rolls-Royce to its subsidiary company ITP Aero. In a bid to reclaim lost finances over the pandemic, Rolls-Royce then put up ITP Aero for sale for a figure close to £1.5 billion. It was later sold to a consortium led by Bain.
The Nottingham Post and Nottinghamshire Live had called for jobs to be guaranteed at the historic former Rolls-Royce factory when it was under the transition.
A statement released from ITP Aero UK said: "Our site in Hucknall has been a 24/7 operational site for many years and we have strict environmental controls on our business operations. These are regularly audited by Ashfield District Council and other independent bodies.
"We have advised anyone approaching us about their concerns to speak to the Council’s Environmental Protection team."
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