RESIDENTS say their lives are being made a misery by the constant loud noise as work continues on the site of a controversial new distribution centre between Purfleet and Aveley.

The Segro Logistics site, which will contain two large buildings and all the requisite lorry and transport facilities, is adjacent to the A13 and A1306 but close to a number of residential properties.

Residents opposed the scheme saying when it opens it will blight their lives, but even before a building has gone up they are having to live with the constant pounding from five piling machines which operate throughout the day - and the work is expected to go on until March.

Local councillor Colin Churchman has intervened on behalf of residents has won assurances that the work will now be condensed into fewer hours.

Previously residents reported work going on into the evenings and through weekends!

Noise from the pile drivers is very loud and carries a long way , and can be heard in parts of the main communities in Aveley and Purfleet.

The original allowed working hours on site were 7.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 1pm Saturday and Sunday not at all unless there is an associated emergency, they are carried out with prior agreement from Thurrock Council.

As a result of a number of Cllr Curchman's intervention he has now been informed that works will now start from 8am and end at 5pm with no piling works at the weekend.

Thurrock Council says it will continue to monitor the site and advise any residents with any further complaints to direct them to email [email protected].