MORE than 170 villagers living near a popular Forest attraction have signed a petition objecting to a revised scheme for two more high-speed zip-wires.

They claim the “high pitched” noise of the two existing rides at the National Diving and Activity Centre at Tidenham is bad enough, alongside “screaming, shouting and swearing” from riders.

Nearly 1,500 users and supporters have signed counter petitions backing the scheme, saying it will boost tourism and create jobs.

Forest planners are due to rule on the plan next Tuesday afternoon (February 13), with officers recommending approval.

Councillors rejected a similar scheme last July by a single vote, but following “noise mitigation” tests on the two current rides in consultation with acoustic consultants Sound Barrier Solutions, centre boss Darren Bryce claims the improvements will solve potential noise problems.

Residents are less convinced, saying they have noticed no improvement since the tests.

The petition objecting to plans for two more 580m-long zip-wires calls for a delay to any planning approval until extra sound proofing is independently shown to stop “intrusive” noise.

Keith Bryant says: “The screaming and shouting is bad enough, but the piercing and wailing whine of the zip line itself, like a jet aircraft landing nearby, is the most disturbing.”

He also describes as “outrageous” centre claims that residents have “compounded” the noise problem by felling around ‘2,500’ trees, with probably less than a tenth of that number being removed.

Neighbour Nick Slattery told planners the “siren-like” noise and shouts and screams were “horrendous”.

“Hearing the noise almost all day long drives me to distraction. Any suggestion that operating four wires will not significantly increase the general disturbance levels... is frankly ridiculous.”

One supporter of the new scheme, James Jones from Gloucester, said he had recently seen a hen party on national TV show Don’t Tell The Bride zip wiring and having fun at the centre without any shouting or screaming, and the plan would bring more people to the area.

“I have been on the zip and must say it’s wicked,” he said.

Tidenham Parish Council has backed the scheme following an updated noise report from the applicant and mitigation trials involving acoustic damping matting on launch platforms and a new trolley system.

Sound Barrier Solutions has told planners: “The report provides substantive evidence that the proposed development with the newly installed acoustic matting provides sufficient noise mitigation to bring all noise impacts well within acceptable levels.”

In her report recommending approval, council planning officer Melissa Baldwin says: “It is felt that it will not cause any material harm to the amenities of nearby residents as measures are proposed, including matting, bunding to provide acoustic screening and the imposition of conditions.”