FAIRLIE residents have claimed round-the-clock vibrations from the engines of drill ships berthed at Hunterston are causing their whole homes to shake.

A meeting on Monday heard villagers are suffering headaches as the powerful vibrations reverberate around people's houses.

Concerned community councillors have now raised the issues - which surround the Valaris DS4 and Ensco DS8 - with the local authority.

A letter has also been sent by Independent councillor Ian Murdoch to every senior officer, director and elected member of North Ayrshire Council outlining the 'major issue'.

Chair Rita Holmes told the meeting she had personally experienced the problem.

She said: "The vibrations in my house are just ridiculous. I can feel them well above the wind on a gusty day, they are quite unbelievable at times.

"It is like waking up to having factories opposite to you in the morning that have been working all night making a noise."

Local marine biologist David Nairn, who lives on the north side of the village, says he has also experienced the noise.

He added: "It one point it sounded like my television was thumping and the vibration can be felt right through the floors and walls. I have also heard reports of people in Allanpark Terrace developing severe headaches and migraines.

"North Ayrshire Council needs to act. There is thumping infrasound running through the village in different areas - and there needs to be action or we will have to look at some sort of protest."

Community councillor David Telford told the News he considered the matter 'extremely serious'.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Councillor Ian Murdoch added: "Both vessels are designated as laid up with reduced manning level and are unable to operate as ships.

"Both are producing vast amount of exhaust and emissions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a council area which has declared a climate change emergency

"It is extremely concerning so many people are complaining about the noise and emissions coming from both ships. The constant vibration and feeling of pressure seems to be the central problem.

"One business owner at the Keppenburn business units described to me a vibration inside and outside of the premises.

"I have personally felt this and also experienced this on the valley in Fairlie, as well as other parts of the village when working there.

"Peel Ports stated that mains power would be installed but this hasn't happened - the engines are now running in order to keep the vessels in place at the jetty.

"This could be harming people's health and the local environment - we need to know how long is this going to continue. In my opinion it is a totally unacceptable situation."

Clydeport director Jim McSporran says the firm is happy all noise constraint rules are being adhered to.

He said: "We had an independent assessment carried out by a firm of acoustic consultants after the arrival of the drill ships. Their findings were that, while some low frequency noise associated with vessel generators may be occasionally audible, this comfortably met the British Standard internal noise target of 30 decibels."

North Ayrshire Council failed to respond as we went to press.