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Earlier this year, the Leicester Mercury reported that noise
complaints had reached an all-time high, with more than 3,000
people reporting incidents to Leicester City Council.
The worst-affected areas include Melton Road, Narborough Road,
London Road, Saffron Lane and Hinckley Road.
Nick Diperna, who has lived in Western Road, in the West End,
for 15 years, says he has to wear earplugs at night because
of noise.
He said: "I'm not surprised that this is one of the noisiest
areas. It's mainly street noise and noise from the bars, which
often play loud music.
"We get loud car stereos and we seem to have fireworks
here all year round. I have to wear earplugs to sleep and I
know my neighbour does, too."
Leicester is one of 23 urban areas across the country to be
featured in the new site, which shows the level of environmental
noise from major industries, roads and rail networks.
People can find out how noisy their areas are by typing in
post codes.
In Melton Road, the map shows the noise levels to be between
65 to 70 decibels.
Yagnesh Varajidas, 19, has a bedroom at the front of his house
in Melton Road, which faces the busy street.
He said: "I can still hear the traffic noise loudly in
my bedroom even with the double glazing. It is noisier on Saturday
and Sunday."
Eileen Rufey, 84, who has lived in her Melton Road home since
1948, said noise was not so much of a problem for her.
She said: "I think I have got used to it. You can't hear
the cars as loudly as you would expect in my house.
"The road has got a lot quieter since they built Watermead
Way."
Peter Wakeham, director of the Noise Abatement Society, says
living in noisy areas is not only damaging to hearing, but it
can also cause stress-related health problems such as heart
attacks and strokes.
He said: "Living with noise is a constant stress, and
when you get angry and frustrated, your blood pressure will
go up.
"It has even been proven now that when you're asleep,
your blood pressure rises if you are in a noisy environment."
The website, which was launched by environment minister Jonathan
Shaw on Friday, will be used to draw up actionplans to reduce
unreasonable levels of noise.
Source Leicester
Mercury 19 May 08
Visit
the DEFRA website to see the noise map for your area
Maps show noise levels in your neighbourhood
17 May 2008 People living in loud neighbourhoods can now
find out exactly how much noise they are having to put up with,
thanks to a new website.
Leicester is one of 23 cities across the country to be featured
in the new Government noise-mapping site, which shows the level
of environmental noise, from major industries, road and rail
networks.
Users can search by postcode to access maps that show noise
levels over an average 24-hour period, as well as during night-time
hours.
Most people living in the city fall into the 60 to 64 decibel
band, which is equivalent to the noise caused by average street
traffic.
The website, which was launched by Environment Minister Jonathan
Shaw yesterday, will be used to draw up action plans to reduce
unreasonable levels of noise, where practical. Mr Shaw said:
"Transport and industry are a necessary part of modern
life, but we need to look at what practical steps we can take
to make people's lives more tranquil.
"These maps provide the most comprehensive snapshot yet
of noise in our country. They will provide a springboard to
tackle unnecessary noise pollution."
The mapping was carried out during 2006/7 and incorporates
noise maps produced for airports.
The next stage of the department's work will be to develop
action plans, which will include a public consultation.
Source Leicester
Mercury 17 May 08
People in Leicester interested in finding out about noise levels
can log on to: www.defra.gov.uk/noisemapping
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