Neighbours prepare to sue over noisy steel pan orchestra
A steel orchestra accused of being too noisy is steeling itself for a legal battle with unhappy neighbours.
The Comets have been based behind Auckland Road, in South Norwood, for the past six years.
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ACCUSED OF BEING TOO NOISY: The Comets
But in recent months they have been in dispute with fed up local residents who want to see them kicked out.
Now it is understood neighbours are taking legal advice about what rights the police-backed community orchestra's musicians have at the old sports pavilion where they practice.
Members of the Comets say they have got around 1,200 signatures on a petition calling for the council to show more backing for the project.
They are unhappy that the council cut its practice sessions from 20 hours a week to just five hours last September.
But locals say five hours of music a week is still too much to bear.
Neighbour Jackie Ward, 55, who lives around 100 metres away in Auckland Road, said: “I would probably sign their petition if I didn't live next door to them.
“I've nothing against steel music. But when I'm in the bedroom and the windows are closed you can still hear them - that's how loud the music is.”
Although residents say things have quietened down since the practice time was cut, they fear it could be extended again.
Mike Howe, 60, who also lives in Auckland Road, said: “If I was at the bottom of a garden playing Led Zeppelin really loud on the stereo then I would be arrested, no two ways about it.
“But these people think they have got some right to get away with it.
“I agree with what they're doing as a project and think it's wonderful, but they're in the wrong place.”
The Comets insist they deserve to stay put having spent
thousands of pounds improving the facility.
Ideally, they would like to sound proof the building.
Gina Sheridan, project manager of the group, said: “I've said we are prepared to put in sound-proofing because not everyone likes the sound of steel pans.
“We have our own money for that, but the council turned us down flat.”
The group's members say they are getting kids off the streets and they have even performed at the Notting Hill Carnival.
Councillor Steve Hollands, the council's cabinet member for culture and sport, says the council is caught in the middle of the argument.
He believes the best solution is to find new premises in the borough for the Comets, which he says the council is trying to do.
“They have suggested they could sound proof the building but that isn't going to work, the sound will still get through,” he said.
“It's difficult because we don't want them to close down. They are doing what we would like people to do - just in the wrong place.”
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by Matthew Fullerton, London
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 9:13PM
“Comets have been very willing to give - they have offered to install sound insulation but the council has refused this. Besides, it's clear that it is a small minority of neighbours who are complaining. The sound tests carried out by the council have found that the noise registers just 46.5 dB outside the nearest house! In case that doesn't mean much to you, here's some comparions:
Power mower . . . 96 dB
Diesel truck 40 mph at 50 ft . . . 84 dB
Living room music . . . 76 dB
Dishwasher (Rinse) at 10 ft . . . 60 dB
Conversation . . . 60 dB
Then we have Comets at 46.5 dB followed by:
Bird calls . . . 44 dB(!)
Perhaps the neighbours would like an extensive bird rehoming project to take place as well so their peace is not disturbed?”
by Suze, Wallington
Friday, July 25 2008, 1:49PM
“Come and move to Wallington, be my neighbour, I absolutely LOVE steel bands! I can't even count on two hands the number of caribbean steel drum music cd's I have!”
by David Wellecomme, Musical Director, Comets Community Project
Friday, July 25 2008, 11:22AM
“PART 2.... as we are a group which tries to reach the WHOLE community. Of course, we could just not bother, and then how long would it be before our building is once again derelict as it stood for so many years prior to our arrival, and the drug dealing commences once again, and bricks start coming through your windows and cars?????
But we are not like that. We are a group of determined individuals with our minds set on changing the view of todays youth. On the 11th August I will be taking our children to compete in the NATIONAL JUNIOR STEELBAND COMPETITION, which in itself is an achievement far better than todays youth are labelled as doing.
This whole charade has the same effect as if I was stabbed. It feels like a knife being pushed straight through my heart, to see that A MINORITY can overrule such a good thing, and threaten the one thing that everybody wants to hear in the news and in the papers......YOUNG PEOPLE DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE AND ACHIEVING!!!!!!!!”
by David Wellecomme, Musical Director, Comets Community Project
Friday, July 25 2008, 11:13AM
“Oh dear oh dear oh dear. He we go again. I would like to bring you good people of Croydon into the light a little with regards to the TRUE extent of this whole saga!
I have to admit I love the comments from Councillor Steve Hollands, saying that "sound proofing will not work". Does he really think we are ignorant enough to just stick some windows in and hope for the best? No. We have had professional help regarding the best course of action, and we have roof insulation SITTING IN THE BUILDING WAITING TO BE INSTALLED, and a double glazing company waiting for the word "go" to make us heavy duty units with toughened glass, which professionals have said is GUARANTEED to cut the sound by a minimum of 80%!!!! And may I also mention that this is OUT OF OUR OWN MONEY!!!!!!! We are not asking Croydon Council, nor the taxpayer, to cover a single penny of these works, as we are, contrary to some peoples beliefs, very much committed to ensuring that our neighbours are not hassled in any way......”
by Barry, Croydon
Thursday, July 24 2008, 3:56PM
“Nonsence Kevin,why burden us Council tax payer's with the bill for sound proofing,these moaner's will have to learn to live with a little noise for only 20, yes 20 hours out of the 168 hours a week,what if all of us under the flight path of Heathrow,and Gatwick airports insisted on sound proofing from Council tax payer's.”