Camden New Journal - News: Glendas Top tip for dealing with noise

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Camden New Journal by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 13 December 2007

I’ve heard enough: Robert Ward

Glenda’s top tip for dealing with noise

Hampstead MP tells residents tormented by police sirens to ‘use ear-plugs’

WHEN Robert Ward contacted Glenda Jackson, his Hampstead and Highgate MP, to tell her how his street had become a chaotic through-road for police panda cars, he thought he might get some helpful advice about how to sleep through the sound of blaring sirens.
He wasn’t banking on just how practical the advice from the Labour politician would be, ending their phone call stunned after she advised him to ‘buy some ear-plugs’.
Mr Ward, 39, a former computer programmer who lives on the Hillgrove estate in Swiss Cottage, said he is now looking to swap his housing association flat and move elsewhere.
Ms Jackson said: “Mr Ward said he found it impossible to sleep – I know it may seem flippant but I suggested he used ear-plugs. If you have any [other] suggestions I’d be grateful if you could let me know.”
Residents who have lived on the estate for up to 25 years believe it is inappropriate to use the residential road as a relief-road to reach Kilburn and Rowley Way estates – and claimed that hardly a night goes by without the sound of a siren breaking the peace.
Ms Jackson said: “Where in London is not a residential area? I have written to the borough commander. What do you suggest? Banning police sirens on that road?”
Mr Ward, who is the chairman of the residents’ association, has been stuck at home for the past three years after injuring his ankle.
He said: “Glenda Jackson just said: ‘You should try ear plugs and tell other people in your block they should try and do the same.’ She was obnoxious and rude. I think it is an outrage that she can speak to her constituents like that. I’m sure she has a hard job but, at the end of the day, if that’s the way she treats the residents in her constituency I will never be voting Labour again.”
Mr Ward said he had suggested they turn off the sirens at junctions and roundabouts.
He said: “The police sirens have become more piercing than they were before. To have the sirens blaring at three in the morning when there’s no traffic is a bit much.”
Ms Jackson, however, has taken the issue up with police borough commander Chief Superintendent Mark Heath. He wrote back to her last month to warn her that it is the responsibility of the driver as to whether or not to use blue lights and sirens.
He said: “There have been occasions when police have been heavily criticised for failing to use warning equipment, and unfortunately it is a necessary evil. Officers are instructed that they should never assume they have been seen or heard.”

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