A LEOMINSTER business accused of being linked to a mysterious 'hum' has announced plans to spend £500,000 in reducing noise at the site.

Herefordshire Council’s Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service has worked closely with BPI, based on Worcester Road, and Leominster Town Council following resident concerns about local noise – known locally as ‘the Leominster hum’.

The firm has been a fixture in Leominster for the last 50 years and a long-standing local employer.

Although the noise has not been directly linked to the factory, the plastic packaging company has shown its intention to be a 'good neighbour' by announcing further plans to reduce site noise through machinery and ventilation system upgrades.

The works will begin over the August shutdown period at a cost estimated to be in the region of £500,000.

Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s head of development management and regulation, said: "The Environmental Health Service has undertaken several years of regular noise monitoring at night and has encouraged BPI to go beyond the statutory noise levels, in order to achieve the best deal for local residents. "We welcome BPI’s offer to invest up to £500,000 towards improvements and their commitment to reduce noise levels further for the people of Leominster."

Following the upgrade, BPI will survey the noise levels again in partnership with Herefordshire Council to gauge the effectiveness of the improvement works.