A NELSON-based company with a history of noise nuisance could be prosecuted if it does not clean up its act.

Pendle Council is to serve Decorpart with an abatement order for failing to limit noise emissions from its Edward Street factory.

And if the company, which makes products for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, fails to comply with the order it will be prosecuted.

In 2003, the company was granted planning permission to extend its factory with conditions it would limit noise emissions to under 50 decibels.

But a report to the council's Nelson committee said Decorpart had failed to meet this target.

The report recommended that councillors request the company submit a planning application to put up a four-metre high acoustic screen to limit noise levels.

However, councillors threw out the recommendation in favour of the order. Representing residents in nearby Regent Street, Peter Ratcliffe told the meeting he did not want the screen at the bottom of his garden.

He also told the committee that people had a poor night's sleep because of the noise.

And said: "It gives no pleasure to say I told you so. As residents we accepted the democratic decision and the planning conditions. If only the same could be said for Decorpart.

"This company, in the middle of a residential area, doesn't have any respect for our human rights.

"Something has to be done to make them realise once and for all they cannot have fragrant disregard for this authority."

The council's assistant solicitor Howard Culshaw told councillors the company would have about a month to comply during which they could lodge an appeal and a prosecution could take a year.

Coun Donna Caley demanded the order be served because the company had flouted noise levels since 1998.

She said: "I'm in total agreement with Mr Ratcliffe, this company should not be given any more time.

"The law is the law and this company has flouted the law for many years because this authority has let them."