‘Torture!’... locals blame factory press for tremors
RESIDENTS in a Solihull street say they are being driven mad by vibrations from a nearby factory – with some claiming they have become ill as a result.
Neighbours in Waterloo Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, claim the impact of intermittent vibrations from the factory opposite their homes is akin to “water torture” and they are desperate for a solution.
Many have highlighted poor sleep, mental health problems and damage to their homes, which they claim are a result of tremors coming from nearby QFS Manufacturing, which presses metal components.
The issue has been going on for seven years and predates the current owners.
Waterloo Avenue residents say that despite two council investigations, which found no adverse impact from the factory, vibrations from 600tonne presses continue to rattle rooms and, in one case, move a bed.
Dozens of locals have signed a petition calling for action.
QFS managing director James Mott says the business has taken steps to reduce any noise. He says noise is high as a result of busy roads frequently used by heavy goods vehicles going to and from other businesses in the area.
However, residents disagree, with one claiming to have recorded 89 vibrations in 40 minutes as she lay in bed. She said: “Sleep is not possible.”
Another local said there were dull, intermittent vibrations in her kitchen. Waterloo Avenue residents of 38 years, Mark and Lynette Williamson, added: “The level of vibrations have really increased.
“It’s like water torture; it’s sending us mad. This area is not well-off. If it was in the leafy part of Solihull this wouldn’t happen,” said Mrs Williamson, 72.
Retired Birmingham City Council worker Mark, 69, added that the lack of sleep is not helping his health issues.
Down the road, John and Linette Scott have lived directly opposite the factory since 1996 and say they can’t rest. No one wants to help, it’s not
right. These are our houses,” claimed logistics manager John, 54.
Mrs Scott, 55, says she has been prescribed sleeping tablets and anxiety medication because of the situation.
“Things will shake in the kitchen,’’ she said. ‘‘We just want it to stop, we want peace and quiet.”
Pensioners Trevor and Diane Smith have lived on Waterloo Avenue for 50 years, and say the situation has become a “nightmare”.
Describing what it feels like when the press goes off, retired power press worker Mr Smith, 79, said: “The bed actually lifts.
“The bed actually feels as though it’s trying to move around the room. It happens once every 30 seconds or
so. That’s the norm.”
QFS managing director James Mott says the company has taken steps to reduce noise levels by adjusting the roller-shutter door systems on units. He added: “Since taking over the factory, previously known as Neos Automotive, in March 2023, we have been acutely aware of the legacy issues and the community’s concerns. “We have engaged directly with the local community and council, addressing complaints about noise and vibrations and repeatedly allowed residents and council representatives on site.
“Despite these efforts, including allowing council representatives to
conduct noise/vibration measurements in residents’ homes during our operations, no significant noise or vibrations have been detected that can be attributed to our facility.
“Moreover, we have commissioned an independent noise/vibration monitoring service at our expense, which confirmed that our operations do not contribute to local noise/ vibration levels adversely.”
A Solihull Council spokesman said: “The council’s Regulatory Services Team have conducted multiple investigations over several years in response to residents’ concerns.
“The council’s last investigation was reviewed by the Local Government Ombudsman, who agreed that the council had done everything that it could based on the evidence gathered and no further action was recommended.
“The council has agreed to meet with residents later this month to respond to the recent escalation in complaints.”
It’s like water torture; it’s sending us mad. This area is not well-off. If it was in the leafy part of Solihull this wouldn’t happen Neighbour