South London Press: The magnificent seven

South London Press: Keep the noise down at night, police urged

Noise Abatement Society: Emergency Vehicle Sirens

Below is a statement from the Society about emergency service sirens which I hope will be of some use to support the Kennington Association.

 

 

'The Noise Abatement Society believes that the present sirens used to signal the approach of an emergency service vehicle, are not fit for purpose.

 

They are unsafe because they cause people to freeze during precious moments whilst trying to locate the source of the sound.Their piercing tone is excessively loud, an unnecessary noise pollution which can be heard up to a half a mile away from the source of danger. The cumulative effect is to engender a feeling of negativity and fear in residents, making them think they live in a crime ridden area, which may not necessarily be the case.

 

In the absence of a standard for existing warning devices, the NAS is working with the British Standards Institute to develop an international standard through the International Standards Organisation (the ISO) to develop a standard for emergency service sirens that will be instantly locatable and, therefore, safer. Broad band technology is one answer because it is directional in nature making the person in danger  turn immediately towards the source of the sound. Broad band does not dissipate to the side, so nearby residents will not be disturbed.' 

 

I would be grateful if you could let me have a copy of any press coverage that the Association receives on this matter.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gloria

 

Gloria Elliott
Chief Executive Noise Abatement Society
Suite 2, 26, Brunswick Terrace,
Hove
BN3 1HJ
Tel: 01273 823850
Mob: 07710293938

 

NOISE ABATEMENT SOCIETY REGISTERED CHARITY No. 272040 Founder: John Connell, OBE FIEnv SC MIPR | The Noise Abatement Society is a registered charity, entirely dependent on voluntary donations to continue our work.  Help us to maintain a service by making a donation via our website at www.noiseabatementsociety.com. All contributions are gratefully received.

Lambeth's civic heroes

 

Lambeth's civic heroes

16 March 2010

A group of outstanding Lambeth citizens have been honoured at a special ceremony at Lambeth Town Hall. The annual Lambeth Civic Awards celebrate our unsung heroes, who freely give their time and effort to help their community.
Nominations are invited each year and judged by a panel chaired by the Mayor of Lambeth, who presents the awards immediately before a full council meeting.
This year's recipients included Cathy Preece from community group the Kennington Association, Donna Henry from the Clapham Park Estate, Sheila Regent from the Streatham Cat Rescue Service, and Ganesh Hall from the Caribbean Hindu Society.
Also honoured were Eddie Sanders, organiser of the St Bartholomew's Church Youth Club and Roger Bowdery, who is responsible for organising Streatham's Armistice Day Service of Remembrance?
The Borough Award went to William and Irene Kirby, who have raised thousands of pounds for the South East London branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Society, as well as supporting a host of local organisations.
They were all put forward for the award by fellow residents in recognition of their selfless commitment to different causes, ranging from fundraising for good causes to bringing the community together.
"Every day in Lambeth, people who care about their fellow residents and neighbourhoods make a positive contribution to the lives of others, " said Councillor Christopher Wellbelove, the Mayor of Lambeth.
"Our civic award ceremony gives the opportunity to recognise and reward these people who help others and really make a difference in their community."

Emergency Police Vehicle Sirens

Caroline Pidgeon, MPA Link
Valerie Shawcross, LA
Kate Hoey MP

cc:  Cllrs Princes, Oval, Bishops, Newington Wards

Dear Caroline, Val, Kate and Cllrs

Please find below a copy of our letter to the Metropolitan Police
regarding excessive noise from police vehicle sirens in Kennington.
We would welcome your support.

Best wishes
Cathy Preece
KA Administrative Assistant

Thursday, 11^th March 2010

Commander David Zinzan

South Central Area Commander

Metropolitan Police Service
Room 1.14, Territorial Policing HQ

Victoria Embankment

London SW1A 2JL

Dear Commander Zinzan

The Kennington Association is saddened to have to write, once again, to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the excess siren noise that is generated from police vehicles in and around Kennington, South London. 

We understand that Kennington is on several trunk routes, and that we are bounded by three police stations in the area (Kennington Road, Walworth Road and Brixton), but we consider that more could be done to reduce the noise pollution from emergency vehicles.  After we wrote to Chief Superintendent Richard Quinn in January 2004, we were pleased that the use of sirens appeared reduced for a short period; however, the noise now seems to have returned to its previous levels.

We are particularly concerned by the use of sirens at night.  Whilst we appreciate that Kennington and the surrounding areas are often quite busy, and you wish to avoid pedestrian/vehicle accidents, we do not consider that the current excessive siren use at night can be justified.  Excess noise has been shown to be detrimental to the health and well being of the general population.  Indeed, “there is sufficient scientific evidence that noise exposure can induce hearing impairment, hypertension and ischemic heart disease, annoyance, sleep disturbance and decreased school performance”[1].

The Kennington Association would like to make a plea that, if possible, all new police vehicles be fitted with directional sirens.  The London Health Commission noted in their 2002 document Health impact assessment – draft Ambient Noise Strategy[2], “The ambulance service, along with police and fire agencies, should be encouraged to draw on the latest research in order to review their choice and use of sirens.  Additionally, directional sirens are said to make police journeys up to 10% faster and also safer due to fewer lane changes and fewer forced stops.[3]  Embracing this new technology might increase vehicle and passenger safety as well as reducing noise.

Would you be able to advise on how Lambeth / Southwark Metropolitan Police Services are drawing on the latest research re. reviewing choice and use of sirens?  A number of our members report that the Metropolitan Police Service in Kensington and Chelsea do not use sirens at night time at all, but we are unable to confirm this information.  Could you inform us whether there is a consistent police policy for siren use within all inner London boroughs?

Yours sincerely

Kennington Association

cc: Assistant Commissioner Rose Fitzpatrick, Central Operation HQ, TPHQ Senior Management, Room 1001, New Scotland Yard, 10 Broadway, London SW1H 0BG

cc: Borough Commander Nick Ephgrave, London Borough of Lambeth, Brixton Police Station, 3^rd Floor, 367 Brixton Road, London SW9 7DD

---

[1] Passchier-Vermeer W. & Passchier W. F. “Noise Exposure and Public health”  Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.jstor.org/pss/3454637

[2] London Health Observatory, “Health Impact Assessment – Draft Ambient Noise Strategy” Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.lho.org.uk/viewResource.aspx?id=9969

[3] Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.soundalert.com/emergencyvehiclewarningsystems.htm

KA Offer: 2-4-1: UK Premier of Dostoevsky's "The Double"

Dear Neighbours

Quote 'Double' for two tickets for the price of one.

Best wishes
Cathy Preece
KA Administrative Assistant

Brilliant UK Premier

The Double

by Dostoevsky

Adapted by Kate McGregor

When your own reflection is your worst nightmare.

"I have heard whispers of rebellion in dark corners, and straight from the mouths of people we trust."

Golyadkin is an ordinary man, but this is no ordinary world.  Dostoevsky’s classic novella The Double explores hapless Golyadkin’s world as it is thrown into turmoil when a man appears in his town who is his double in every respect except by blood. Set in Russia in 1848, a year before Dostoevsky himself was arrested for treason, the arrival of this man in St. Petersburg turns Golyadkin’s life upside down, threatening his job, home and even his sanity. His battle for survival begins in a time of political unrest where no one is to be trusted, not even your own reflection.

The Double is perhaps the most Gogolesque of Dostoevsky’s works, which have influenced writers as diverse as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Frederich Nietzche. He is also considered a founding father of Existentialism.

This vibrant production has an ensemble cast of 11 actors with live, original music from Theatre 6’s resident composer and musical director Maria Haik Escudero.

"As Dostoevsky examines the neurosis and paranoia that cripple a seemingly ordinary man, he produces a thoroughly brilliant 'modern' nightmare."

Jeremy Dyson on Dostoevsky's 'The Double'

Dates and Times:

Tuesday 9th March – Saturday 3rd April 2010
Tuesday-Saturdays @ 7:30pm
Sunday Matinees @ 5:30pm
Saturday 3rd April @ 3pm & 7:30pm

Press Night: Thursday 11th March

Writer: Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoevsky

Stage Adaptation: Kate McGregor

Director: Kate McGregor

Composer: Maria Haik Escudero

Tickets:  £13 (£10 Conc.)

Box Office: 020 7793 9193

Online Booking:  www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk

White Bear Theatre Club

138 Kennington Park Road,

London,

SE11 4DJ