Heathrow not doing enough to protect children from the noise from planes

Airports Commission hears the noise from Heathrow

Local MPs Mary Macleod and Seema Malhotra accompanied Sir Howard Davies and Sir John Armitt from the Airports Commission with representatives from Hounslow Council to hear for themselves what it’s like to live under the Heathrow flightpaths.

Their visit started bright and early at 6am to hear some of the early morning flights, recorded at 91 decibels – the World Health Organisation suggests that “serious annoyance” is experienced by most people at noise levels above 55 decibels.

After a welcome pit-stop for breakfast at Alpha LSG who provide catering for the airlines, the delegation then visited Beavers Primary School. The headteacher Dee Scott, pupils and parents spoke of the extreme difficulties they face in their classrooms, particularly during the warmer weather over the summer.

Mary Macleod MP, said:

“I am glad the Airports Commission has taken the time to come and experience the reality of living near Heathrow. Our proximity to the airport helps keep our unemployment down and we welcome the opportunities it offers. But Heathrow are not doing enough to reduce the impact of noise, congestion and pollution from the airport.

“I was alarmed to hear that children were struggling to stay awake in classes because of the lack of sleep at home and a lack of ventilation and oxygen in their classrooms. Heathrow promised over ten years ago to address the issue of noise insulation and ventilation in our local schools and they still haven’t delivered. This problem will only get worse as we look to expand our schools to accommodate a growing population. Heathrow must deliver on its promises and must do more to protect our children from noise in their schools.”