FAWLEY refinery says the loud noise endured by people living near the huge petro-chemical complex has now ceased.

Householders have criticised the deafening din that has accompanied the use of flares during planned maintenance work in the past few days.

An ExxonMobil spokesperson said: "Main flaring is now complete.

"The noise originated from the injection of steam into the flares, which we tried to minimise wherever possible.

"We are sorry the noise lasted longer than we had anticipated as the maintenance work ran on beyond schedule.

"We again apologise for any disturbance caused by this work."

Critics claim the noise resulted in sleepless nights, partly as a result of pet dogs howling in the middle of the night, but other residents have defended ExxonMobil.

Posting on social media one person said: "People need to stop whining. The refinery brings a lot of employment and business to the area."