CAMPAIGNERS fed up with noise and ‘sticky brown fall-out’ from a factory have claimed a victory.

Two notices have been served on Uniroyal Global in Earby, giving them until October to address noise and emissions after several meetings between the factory, environmental health and neighbours.

Around 50 householders near the polymer factory have complained for years about pollution, with the biggest concern ‘fall-out’ that gets sprayed over surrounding areas from an industrial chimney.

Ian Longstaff, Earby resident and chairman of the Uniroyal residents group, described the fall-out as ‘a sticky brown substance’ which has been known to burn through the paintwork of cars.

It has also been found in gardens, on the village playground and even on pets.

Mr Longstaff said: “We are relieved that environmental health has had enough too and thanks to them and the council there is now a definite line in the sand.

“It puts the pressure right on Uniroyal to deliver on their promises and whatever happens now the one thing they cannot do is do nothing.”

Philip Mousdale, corporate director of Pendle Council, said: “We understand the frustrations of residents living nearby which is why we served the enforcement notices this week.

“Uniroyal has until June this year to reduce its noise levels and until October this year to put in place new equipment which will reduce its emissions and odour.”

One of residents’ main bugbears has been noise at night.

Mr Longstaff said: “Noise levels have been measured at as much as 72 decibels in the middle of the night, originating from an extractor fan which was put in last year.

“We are all now looking forward to getting a decent night’s sleep come the 1st of July.”

A spokesperson for Uniroyal Global said: “We have been working closely with the local council, environmental health and the residents’ working group and we have held regular meetings with all parties to discuss the improvement activities we are making.

“To date we have invested over £300,000 to improve our environmental impact and have committed a further £1.6million this year on new technology which will be completed later this year.”