Hyde Park Gigs Under Threat?
Local residents have apparently complained about the noise levels
The NME reports that Mayfair residents have complained about noise generated by concerts that take place in the London park every summer. Amongst the concerts due to happen there this year are Bruce Springsteen (and the rest of Hard Rock Calling) and Madonna. Plus there are supposed to be a number of Olympics related shows taking place there this year.
A report says that last summer 109 complaints about the noise were made, which was double the number from 2010. Westminster councillors have said they want to cut the number of shows from 13 to six each summer, as well as lower the noise levels from 75 to 73 decibels and reduce gig capacity from 80,000 to 50,000 people.
A meeting will take place on 17 February to decide on the new restrictions.
The Evening Standard quotes two local residents who say of the noise: "It's pretty bad. There are two issues for us - the number of concerts and noise they're allowed to make. If you sit here with the windows open on a hot day, you can hear every word," says Mike Dunn, vice-chairman of the Mayfair Residents Group.
Meanwhile, Councillor Glenys Roberts said: "I like to watch the men's Wimbledon final but there's always a concert on that Sunday and the noise completely drowns out the television."