Statement on Operations at PLP Astley

Updated 29 August 2026

We recognise that our operations at PLP Astley, Wigan, have had an impact on nearby residents, particularly in relation to nighttime noise. We acknowledge and take those concerns very seriously. We have continued to prioritise engaging locally with the residents of Astley, Wigan Council, and also the site’s owners and our landlords, PLP, to work together to find a solution.

Following a meeting held locally on Wednesday 26 August 2026 between the Astley Warehouse Action Group, Wigan Council, and Whistl, the residents have agreed to our proposal to cease nighttime transport operations in and from the yard at PLP Astley yard from September 7 whilst we work on measures to reduce noise from our operations below the appropriate threshold. The processing of mail and parcels will continue within the depot and we will adjust our transport operations to ensure that we meet our commitments to Whistl customers.

The residents are reviewing our second proposal to work together on further noise reduction measures and a jointly agreed robust process [and methodology] for measuring their effectiveness.

We have proposed that the Astley Warehouse Action Group and Whistl will continue to meet regularly to review progress on these actions, working in collaboration to determine whether they are having the desired effect of reducing the nighttime noise and the disruption Astley residents have experienced.

In the meantime, our existing noise mitigation measures will remain in place:

• The use of quieter on-site vehicles such as shunt units to move trailers around in our yard.
• Installation of external and internal monitors to track noise allowing the on-site team immediately to address any noise incidents at source and in real time day and night.
• Eliminating refuelling at night
• Preventing fuel tankers from accessing the site at night.
• Changing operational practice to ensure a minimum of activity occurs at night, and any activity takes place as far from residents as possible.
• Independent acoustic monitoring – the findings of which we will share directly with neighbouring residents.

We are continuing to review these measures every day and have established a direct mechanism whereby we can take on board residents’ feedback, as it occurs, to identify what further improvements can be made.

We remain committed to being a responsible neighbour and supporting the local Astley residents who need and deserve to have their concerns addressed. We are confident that the measures agreed will go a long way towards reducing nighttime noise, while we continue to work to find a longer-term solution between Whistl, Astley residents, Wigan Council and the site owner, PLP.