MOTORWAY neighbours plan to make a noise themselves when they meet Highways Agency bosses about the din from the M65 extension.

Residents living in the shadow of the motorway at Earcroft, Darwen, have complained about the extension since it was opened, claiming the road is so noisy it affects their sleep and they can no longer sit in their gardens.

But after pressure from locals and MP Janet Anderson, the Highways Agency has reassessed the noise levels and will meet residents next week.

Harry Blackwell, whose house at Blackburn Road backs on to the motorway, said: "I for one will be standing up and making my feelings known at that meeting, and I hope that all my neighbours will do the same.

"Ever since that extension opened the noise has started at 5.30am and is unbearable from then on. My bedroom is at the back of the house so you can understand how strongly this affects me." Highways Agency engineers' reassessment of noise levels may mean more residents than was originally thought may be eligible for noise insulation on their homes.

Project engineer John Dutson said: "There is likely to be only a small increase in the number of properties qualifying as the degree of traffic increase does not result in a direct proportional increase in noise received at a property facade.

"The planting scheme on land adjacent to the noise fence has been reviewed and improved and will, in time, grow well above the fence to obscure traffic."

To be eligible for noise insulation houses must be within 300 metres of a new road and must be subject to additional traffic noise - at or above a specified level - arising directly from the use of the new road.

The meeting is at 7pm on Thursday February 4 at Darwen Vale High School.

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