ALMOST 100 residents gathered to protest against a Gwent factory they claim is making their lives "hell".

People living close to the Walker's Concrete Products factory in Cross Keys say the noise, dust and vibration from the plant has "devastated" their community.

The factory on the Newtown industrial estate, opened four months ago.

Since then residents claim they have been subjected to up to 12 hours a day of thumping noise, choking dust and vibrations.

Trevor and Sheila Hancock live in nearby Tredegar Street.

Mrs Hancock said: "The noise is absolutely horrendous. We can't sit out in our gardens because of the constant thumping and the clouds of dust.

"It's ruining people's lives."

Caerphilly council issued an enforcement notice on the company, requiring it to build around the machinery to lessen the noise and pollution.

So far the notice has not been complied with and the council have now granted the company an extension.

Mr Hancock said: "That factory has devastated our community. Everyone is up in arms. It's been hell.

"It's like torture 24 hours a day. I wake up coughing because of all the dust, and can't get the constant drone of the machinery out of my head.

"We are not against anyone making money or opening a factory around here, but this is just not the place to have this kind of business. We just can't carry on like this."

Factory owner Gary Walker told the Argus the problem would be remedied soon.

He said: "I acknowledge the noise nuisance, but we have been working closely with the local authority and an acoustics company to solve it.

"We have taken advice from the acoustics company and should have the problem solved within the next five days."