Noisy manholes on Woodlands Lane are the responsibility of “several” utility companies, South Gloucestershire Council says, and repairs are up to them.

The Liberal Democrats had claimed that the authority did not know who owned the manholes after complaints from nearby residents – But the council says they are “mostly telecoms”.

In a statement the authority says they have tried to resolve the situation with the companies involved.

“We have been proactive and have been in contact with the various companies and have informed them that they need to undertake the repairs required and one of these is due to be done shortly.

“Unfortunately, no one utility is responsible for all of the manholes which need repair and each have the right to effect their repairs themselves and will do so independently of each other.”

One of the two noisy manholes is due to be repaired soon but the Lib Dems want both repaired at the same time.