THE sound of children playing at school will be blocked by a fence, after councillors gave plans the green light.

There has been a long running row over noise between residents and SS Osmund and Andrew RC Primary School in Breightmet.

But now a solution has been found in the form of a £2,000 acoustic fence, which should prevent noise from the playground spreading to homes in Kilbride Avenue.

Cllr Lynda Byrne, sitting on Bolton Council’s planning committee, said: “Some people might say if you are going to buy a house and do not like the sound of children playing, do not buy a house near a school.

“But I do have some sympathy for residents.

“The school has increased three or four fold and the noise has gone up dramatically.”

Cllr Nick Peel added: “It is important to note it is the school working with Children’s Services and have offered to do this voluntarily.“ They have not been forced, there is no obligation to do this but they wanted to put an end to this situation with their neighbours and for that they should be applauded.”

Cllr Bob Allen said: “If this is what residents want so be it. I hope it works for them. Trading in a view of playing fields for a 10ft fence.”

A report into the noise of pupils found children were causing a “statutory noise nuisance”.

The independent report went on to say if a factory or commercial premises had been making the same amount of noise, Bolton Council would have had no hesitation in serving the company with a Noise Abatement Notice—a legal order telling a business to reduce its noise output.

But a council spokesman said there was no statutory noise nuisance and so the council was not in a position to enforce any action, but it was satisfied that the school is taking steps to address the concerns.

A 150-signature petition, organised by resident William Disley, was handed into the council in July, 2009, calling for action.

Mr Disley did not want to comment on the decision.