Neighbours say there is "no escape" from the "stressful" amount of noise from the jousting at Warwick Castle, as the town's main tourist attraction looks to extend the permission for its new arena.

Owner Merlin was given permission for the new jousting area in 2022, with Warwick District Council (WDC) allowing it to be in place during the summer months, for two years.

Now the company wants to extend that permission to allow the twice daily shows to take place from May to September for up to five years.

But neighbours in Bridge End and Archery Fields have submitted multiple objections to the application.

Dr Jeremy Dale said: "The jousting at the Castle is a major cause of noise pollution for residents in Bridge End, with its loud music, shouting and chanting repeated several times each day. 

"Not only does this disrupt enjoyment of open spaces and gardens within the area, but it is also disruptive inside our home."

Dr Carol Downs added: "The jousting arena creates a huge amount of noise with several jousting shows happening every day of the summer. 

"This causes a lot of disturbance to us, living close to the river island, and the residents of Bridge End in general. 

"The nature of the noise is simulated violence and screaming which is disturbing and stressful to be subjected to several times a day. 

"This is heard clearly inside our house too, so there is no escape from it."

And Blair Downs' objection said: "The focus always seems to be on the concerts at the castle; I have no problem with a handful of evening concerts over the summer, these are occasional. 

"I do object to the application for the regular running again of the jousting shows, as the noise is an invasive nuisance and significantly deprives residents of the peace and quiet they should reasonably be able to expect in their own homes and gardens, and constitutes a significant loss of amenity."

Merlin's latest application is due to go before councillors next week, with a report recommending permission be granted for the extension.

Plans would see a disabled seating area added to the arena, but otherwise it would remain the same as in previous years.

The WDC report says Merlin has responded to the objects and submitted a new noise report which includes details of "how noise mitigation measures have been adapted and improved over time to respond to some earlier noise complaints (received in 2019)".

The council's environmental health officer has not raised any objections to the application.

"Officers are satisfied that the proposal remains acceptable in this regard, would not lead to any increased noise levels over and above those which have been previously assessed and established through the approval of the original permission," the report explained.

See the full application here.