Cambridge South station opened to passengers at the end of June, but residents living nearby say the platform announcements are too loud
Cambridgeshire Live readers have been debating loudspeaker noise at the city’s newest railway station. Some describe the platform announcements as “deafening”, while others warn that reducing the volume could make travel more difficult for those who are hard of hearing.
Residents living close to Cambridge South have complained that platform announcements are so intrusive they have shattered the “peace and calm” of the neighbouring area. The station opened its doors to passengers at the end of June, providing rail links to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the biomedical campus, and Trumpington.
However, residents on the neighbouring Clay Farm estate say the announcement system is so loud that it can be heard from their homes and, in particular, from allotments in Hobson’s Park. Philippa Slatter, a local resident and former councillor, said there was considerable concern amongst those who visit their allotments seeking tranquillity.
The 75 year old said: “I should not be able to know where the next train is going to, but I can hear it from the allotments and I can hear it from my back garden.”
One commenter, Tartan53, writes: “So she never noticed any noise during the construction period???”
Aljan replies: “It is accepted that there will be noise during a construction project, her complaint is about the ongoing noise now construction has finished. That is not being unreasonable. The produce in her allotment is not interested in train times. The people on the platform also don’t wish to risk deafness with overly loud announcements.”
Campete2 adds: “Perhaps they could also fix the announcements so you can hear them properly on the platforms.”
Imner says: “Perhaps a slight re-alignment of the speakers is required, like more towards the ground than the sky?”
Skipper writes: “Agree. I have sympathy – the constant noise would drive me nuts.”
Over on our Facebook page, Kenny P agrees: “I agree with this – I use the station every day, and the announcements on the platform are deafening!”
Fran P comments: “Not rocket science. It is possible to have space limited announcements for over 25 years.”
Karl T writes: “Turning it down would directly cause difficulty to people with hearing difficulties. I’d understand if it were affecting people in their homes, but it’s not. This is the same type of person who complains that the airport is noisy.”
How would you handle this situation? Would you complain if the noise was affecting you? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
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