NOISE reduction equipment is set to be installed at the site of the new Uskmouth power station, after complaints from nearby residents.

Two weeks ago the Argus reported how around 50 locals signed a petition about the disruption the £600 million plant was causing in their daily lives.

Severn Power Limited, the company behind the project, have been testing the boilers which will generate steam to create electricity and vital safety systems over the past few weeks.

Moorland Park resident Kevin Scougall, whose house is around two miles from the Newport plant, described the noise as worse than a "jet fighter braking on a runway".

Now company bosses are looking at where to apply £2million of noise reduction technology, after a formal assessment at the works is submitted to the Environment Agency.

Christine Muir, who organised the petition, described the news as "fantastic."

"If it works it will be really good. The noise has been ear splitting," she said.

Coach driver David Biggs said he felt reassured works are in progress by plant bosses, as he needs a good night's sleep because of the nature of his work.

Director of Severn Power Limited, Ian Crummack, thanked residents for their patience during the essential testing work.

It is scheduled to be completed in the next few days, but he said a precise time and date was difficult to pinpoint due to the nature of the testing process.

The noise reduction equipment will be installed in the last quarter of the year. Anyone who still has concerns can call 0845 544 0967.