Roaring engines are the attraction for many Lotus customers but some of the company's neighbours have been upset by the 'wild west' created by the sports car firm's staff.

One local is even prepared to stand guard with a speed gun in the early hours, having been driven around the bend by employees noisily speeding away from the Lotus site in Hethel after finishing their shifts at 2am.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lotus factory at HethelThe Lotus factory at Hethel (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"I would estimate it is between 30 to 40 vehicles," said a disgruntled neighbour, who has asked to remain anonymous.

"The majority are driving at excessive speeds through Bracon Ash from around 1.30am until 2.30am.

"And there is no point going to sleep until it finishes, so we have to endure the Lotus rally until all the employees have left.

Eastern Daily Press: Locals say they are losing sleep as a result of noisy driversLocals say they are losing sleep as a result of noisy drivers (Image: Newsquest)

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"This is having a significant impact on me because I have to get up at 6am for work.

"It's honestly like the wild west."

Calls for the implementation of a speed checking and enforcement process to help reduce the disruption have been put forward by homeowners.

It is believed that many of the employees are leaving the production facility before racing along the B1113 at high speeds, with many having sporty cars.

Eastern Daily Press: Lotus employees are reportedly racing through Bracon Ash as late as 2:30amLotus employees are reportedly racing through Bracon Ash as late as 2:30am (Image: Newsquest/Denise Bradley)

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Lotus, which declined to comment on the issue, is understood to have held a meeting where one of the site's managers stressed the firm's determination to be a good neighbour.

"We have submitted an official complaint to the company," said Colin Rudd, chairman of Bracon Ash and Hethel Parish Council. 

Eastern Daily Press: Colin Rudd, chairman of Bracon Ash and Hethel Parish CouncilColin Rudd, chairman of Bracon Ash and Hethel Parish Council (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2012)

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"It isn't just one resident who has experienced this. 

"A number of others have raised this too. 

"Of course, there is the chance that this is just boy racers in the area. 

Eastern Daily Press: It is understood a manager at the Lotus factory said the firm was keen to be a good neighbourIt is understood a manager at the Lotus factory said the firm was keen to be a good neighbour (Image: Denise Bradley)

"But if they are involved, I would imagine that it is both them and the staff from Lotus.

"We have spoken with the company and the police about this, so hopefully something can be done to tackle the issue."