AN ANGRY father is calling for action after claiming his community is being bombarded with noise and dirt pollution from nearby factories and a power station.

Gerald Duxbury says he is being forced to put up with a relentless 'droning noise' from Goose House Power Station, in Darwen.

"The noise levels have definitely gone up in the past two weeks since alterations were made at the power station," said Mr Duxbury of Dean Street, Darwen. "It is a constant droning sound and I don't think we should have to put up with it."

Mr Duxbury, who lives with his wife, Joan and daughters Annette, 10 and Melanie, 13, says the noise problem is the latest pollution problem to hit the area. He added: "For years we have had to put up with dust from factories landing on our cars, now there is this terrible noise. I've asked for the council to intervene, but they just keep sending out forms."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Duxbury contacted the environmental health service on May 10 regarding noise from a power station near to his home.

"In keeping with our standard noise nuisance, record sheets were sent to him which he was requested to fill in for a period of one week and then return to us.

"When the sheets are returned they will be assessed and, depending on the results, a full investigation will commence. Should a statutory noise nuisance then be determined, appropriate action will be taken."

Mike Claydon, managing director at St Regis Paper Company Ltd, who own the power station, said: "We are not aware of any complaint about the level of noise coming from the power station.

"We would advise Mr Duxbury to get in touch with us so that we can fully investigate his complaint."