FED-UP residents living next to noisy mines could soon be living in a more bearable environment.

Council chiefs this week confirmed they will press the Scottish Government over how they tackle noise pollution.

A forum on background noise from opencast sites was held in Cumnock’s Rothesay House last week in Cumnock to discuss the problem that has blighted communities for years.

David Mitchell, Head of Legal, Procurement and Regulatory Services, said: “The meeting was well attended by members of the public, and Councillors along with representatives of the coal companies. A lengthy and constructive discussion took place on the subject of background noise generated by the opencast coal mining industry which, while falling below consented limits within national guidelines, can nevertheless have an adverse impact on local residents.

“The Planning Authority welcomed the constructive contributions from the public who attended the event and would like to thank them for their contributions. The purpose of the meeting was to gather information which will be utilised in a Report to the Council and thereafter a formal submission to the Scottish Government on this issue and related matters.” Issues which were identified during the discussion included: • The use of average noise levels over a prescribed period (usually an hour) rather than a simple noise limit which is not be exceeded • The level at which limits are set (as set out in national planning guidance) • Whether average noise could be measured over a shorter period (to reduce the dilution effect on noise peaks within the period of measurement) • Low frequency noise or drone and possible causes/sources • The possible introduction of further conditions to address identified sources of low frequency noise • Greater promotion of the 'good neighbour’ principle with Operators Brian Broadley, chair of Logan, Lugar and Cronberry Community Council, added: “I thought it was a very positive meeting. East Ayrshire Council were receptive to the points being made but, at the same, are restricted by Scottish Government policies.

“There are lots of issues about how they monitor noise. At the minute they average it out over an hour but we feel that it should be done over a shorter period of, say, 15 minutes.

“There is also the issue of lorries taking more tonnes than they are meant to and this is another thing that could be more closely monitored.

“I think there is a lot needed done on this but it was certainly one of the better meetings I’ve attended.” EAC say they are currently trialling a noise monitoring system called Barn Owl which is expected to provide a more comprehensive system of monitoring cumulative noise from multiple sources, including the opencast mines.

Mr Mitchell added: “The trial is expected to be concluded shortly and it is anticipated that a report will be brought forward to Cabinet recommending, and seeking authority for, the formal purchase of this system.”