Sunderland pensioner speaks of anger after container for major A19 roadworks placed just metres in front of his home

Herrington West Park resident Peter White is angry over generator container outside his home.

Peter White said he is forced to endure fumes and noise from a generator that has been put in place to power a container used by workers who are carrying out work on the A19 junction with Durham Road.

Sunderland City Council says the works will see the construction of fourth lanes for the A19 southbound exit slip road and the B1286 City Way approach.

The 65-year-old lives on West Park in Herrington and said the container was put in place a month ago on October 25, just 10 meters from his home.

Herrington West Park resident Peter White angry over generator container outside his home.

Since then Mr White says his daily life has been blighted by the generator which he says is running from 8am to 6pm each day.

Living by a major road, Mr White says he is used to traffic passing by and has no issue with the road works themselves, but says the conditions he is now living under as a result of the container are not bearable.

He said: “The container is just 10 meters from my front door.

“The engine noise is constant and when its running you can hear it inside of your home.

Herrington West Park resident Peter White in front of the generator container outside his home.

“It’s an eco-container and has solar panels on the roof but it is emitting fumes at ground level close to houses for 10 hours a day.

“It is not just me that’s being affected, its the neighbours as well.

“I’m breathing in fumes on my property, as I can’t hold my breath long enough from the footpath to getting inside of my home.”

Mr White who has 40 years of experience of working on building sites, continued: “There doesn’t appear to be any advance planning prior to the container being dropped.

“I have written to Sunderland Council’s Environmental Health Department to ask if it can be removed and they have promised to remove the container, but no date has been given and it’s been a month now.”

Sunderland City Council said following consultation with other residents, the council is looking at further site options for the container.

A council spokesman said: “On weekdays, around 18,000 vehicles pass West Park.

“This is one of the city’s busiest entry and exit points with the A19 and works are now underway on improving these connections.

“Works will see the construction of fourth lanes for the A19 southbound exit slip road and the B1286 City Way approach.

“The works include utility diversions, fencing improvements, new drainage, kerbing, road markings, signage and traffic signals.

“The eco-container in West Park is being used by staff on these works as a canteen room and for shelter. These welfare facilities are a legal requirement.

“It has solar power, a back-up generator and can also take power from the main grid.

“The council is aware of concerns that have been raised by a resident.

“Following consultation with other residents, the council is looking at further site options for the container.”