THE SOUND of heavy machinery crashing into earth has become a part of some people's daily routine in the last week.

With temperatures rising and windows staying open in offices and homes around the city, there has been no escaping the constant pounding of the ground taking place on Percy's Lane.

Workers are on the site of the former Herbert Todd & Sons building carrying out piling work to make foundations for new student flats.

As residents and workers living nearby will know only too well, this has involved the constant - and seemingly never ending - sound of a huge metal rig being bashed into the ground.

The good news is the noise will end.  The bad news is it will continue until August 9; another 22 days away.

Developer S Harrison admits this is the "only viable option" and have promised the work will only take place from 8am to 6pm during the week, but could work until 1pm on a Saturday.

Steve McManaman, from S Harrison, said: "We consulted closely with the local community and delayed the work to avoid it taking place during the neighbouring National Centre for Early Music’s 40th anniversary celebrations. 

"We are now carrying out continuous vibration monitoring, as well as regular acoustic checks, to ensure that we are not exceeding statutory limits. 

Subject to ground conditions, all the piling work should complete by Wednesday, August 9.”