The windmill sited at Intec (UK) Ltd on Penrod Way, Heysham, has only recently been turned on to full capacity and then it became apparent that the noise for neighbouring properties was, according to residents, 'torture'.

Susan Cumpsty, who has lived at nearby Bay View Cottages for 15 years, said: "Recently there was a very windy day and we heard this strange noise.

"As the day went on it got louder and louder.

"My husband went to see where the noise was coming from and it was the windmill which made a noise very similar to a steam train.

"The windmill is bigger than a five-storey building.

"It makes a whirring noise and it's torture.

"Even with the bedroom window shut, you can still hear it through the window.

"A lot of people have reported it.

"I want to see them taking it down, it's like Chinese torture.

"I look after my three grandsons and they put their hands to their ears when they come to stay."

Planning permission was granted for the turbine on February 27, 2008 and a design and access statement provided to Lancaster City Council's planning department by Intec (UK) Ltd says that in high winds the turbines will run up to a certain speed and then no faster.

Proven Energy Ltd (who provides the wind turbine) says that although the turbines are one of the quietest on the market, they are not silent. They say that the only noise that is audible is the gentle 'swooshing' noise of the blades cutting through the air.

It is not possible to totally remove this noise. However, steps can be taken to reduce it substantially.

Martin Brownjohn, Environmen-tal Protection District Team Leader at Lancaster City Council: "We have received three complaints from different households.

"The company's management arranged for the installers to make adjustments to the running speed of the turbine.

"It was hoped that that this may have reduced the problem, but residents so far do not find this to be the case.

"The turbine is fairly quiet during fairly strong winds, but seems to become noisy during very fierce gusty conditions.

"Although the council could take action for noise nuisance if this becomes necessary, we would first look for co-operation from the management of Intec UK Ltd to reach an amicable solution."

Matt Stead of Intec (UK) Ltd said: "We submitted all the specifications for the turbine to the city council and it met their criteria.

"The turbine has had some alterations and the noise reduction has been dramatic.

"The problem should now be much reduced."