AN ONGOING dispute between a business and home-owners surrounding its Kingswood base could be resolved through co-operation and discussion between the two parties.

Residents of Walkmill Lane turned out in force to last month's meeting of Kingswood Parish Council to voice concerns about operations from printing company Orchestra.

A nosy extractor fan, inconsiderate parking by staff, noise from forklifts, heavy goods vehicle movements in and out of the factory at unsociable times and dust levels were among the problems cited by residents who also claimed the hours of use on the premises are restricted to between 7am ad 7pm.

Following a discussion parish councillors decided a meeting should be arranged between members, the company, residents and Stroud District Council's environmental health department.

At last week's meeting councillors heard environmental health officer Graham Bowery has been in discussion with the company.

Clerk Cath Holmes reported that Mr Bowery had agreed with the firm that the extraction fan would be checked out, that the company would request deliveries should not be made before 7am or after 7pm.

Mrs Holmes added: "Mr Bowery has confirmed that there are no planning restrictions on the site and that this would be a gentleman's agreement."

Cllr Norman Ward said the when planning permission was given for the Walkmill Lane business operations there would have been very different.

"The way the business operates has changed massively since it started," said Cllr Ward. "I am sure if permission was applied for now, there would be conditions placed on it to protect residents."

Chairman Cllr David Hatton stated that in his opinion the problem could be best resolved through conversation and co-operation.

He urged: "I think we could make progress in this situation by calling on Orchestra to be neighbourly and by working with the company to try to resolve any issues."

The district council asked for the parish council to give Orchestra a fortnight to put measures in place before organising a meeting.

The meeting between Orchestra, residents and parish council representatives will be arranged before the end of the existing council's term in June.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Holmes said the period of grace requested had run out on Thursday and she was trying to organise a meeting.

The situation was being discussed further during an Orchestra board meeting yesterday.