FRUSTRATED residents say their lives are being made a misery — after a coach firm set up shop on land backing onto their street.

Seventy people have signed a petition objecting to Tyrers Coaches parking 26 double-decker buses on industrial land behind their homes in Farnworth.

Among the concerns raised by people living in Conway Street and Valdene Drive are disturbances from coach engines starting up early in the morning.

Bolton Councils says the business is yet to gain planning permission for the coach park.

The Chorley-based firm moved onto the site off Bloomfield Road last month and said it was talking all necessary measures to prevent noise pollution and problems with increased traffic.

Directors Matthew and Richard Buckle said the buses went out from 7am to 8am to local schools and colleges, and again from 2.30pm, but that no engine was started earlier than 6.50am.

However, some residents claim the engines are being switched on as early as 5am.

John Anderton of Conway Street said he and his wife Kathleen were considering moving out because of the problems.

He said: “A number of us got together on the street and came up with the idea of the petition. Everyone on the street is upset, really upset.

“The buses are packed straight up against all the neighbours' rear fences.

“There are people in the street who sleep in their back bedrooms.

"One of my neighbours had to move into their spare bedroom because when the yard lights came on they were woken up.”

The petition has now been handed in to the town hall by Mr Anderton.

Council chiefs have confirmed that the company needs to apply for planning permission for the site.

It is understood the firm is set to submit an application in the coming weeks.

A council spokesman said: “If we don’t receive a planning application soon then we would consider further action.”

Matthew Buckle said Tyrers’ own town planners were in talks with the council about planning queries.

The firm has taken on 35 new local employees for the site, which has been vacant for nearly two years.

Mr Buckle added that the company was taking as many steps as possible to minimise noise on the site.

He added: “We are employing a noise pollution company to check the noise levels on the site.

“We’re only parking the coaches here.

"All the maintenance work is done at our Chorley depot and we are doing this as far away as possible from houses so the engine noise is restricted.

“We have a 5mph speed limit both on site and on Bloomfield Road for our drivers and we will have street signs enforce this soon.

"We’re also investigating having acoustic fencing at the end of the yard.

“We are very keen to work with the local community and happy to listen to any grievances from individuals if they would like to contact us.

“We really want a good working relationship with local people. We are here for the long-term."