The Wolvercote-Waterways Action Group (WWAG) needs your help to raise £6500 to pay for a professional, comprehensive baseline noise monitoring assessment of the rail network in Wolvercote, Lakeside and Waterways as part of the campaign to protect residents from intolerable future noise pollution. The City Council does not have the funds to do this and NR’s noise monitoring is limited to looking for any ‘defects in the construction of the noise barriers under what it deems to be a ‘reasonable planning scenario’ - a scenario that conveniently excludes the 750m long stone trains connected to the construction of HS2.

We must to be able to compare the actual noise levels now with the increased levels in the future, so that the difference is indisputable. Without reliable and authoritative data that cannot be dismissed, residents will not have any means of challenging rail operators and government or of pushing for improved mitigation measures – including better noise barriers, rail dampeners (such as Silent Track) and the acoustic insulation of more properties. Success cannot be guaranteed, but we think it’s important to attempt it.

BACKGROUND

The next phase of the East West Rail (EWR) Scheme (from Bicester to Milton Keynes) was meant to open in 2017. Now work is not expected to start until 2019 and the revised completion date is 2024. These delays provide residents with a not-to-be missed opportunity to collect the baseline data needed to measure future increase in noise levels from the operation of the railways.

WHY IS NOISE MONITORING NECESSARY?

We must to be able to compare the actual noise levels now with the increased levels in the future, so that the difference is indisputable. Without reliable and authoritative data that cannot be dismissed, residents will not have any means of challenging rail operators and government or of pushing for improved mitigation measures – including better noise barriers, rail dampeners (such as Silent Track) and the acoustic insulation of more properties. Success cannot be guaranteed, but we think it’s important to attempt it.

For further information please see the FAQ document prepared by local residents involved in the campaign. You can download the FAQ briefing here and at http://bit.ly/WWAG_2018_FAQ

ABOUT WWAG

The Wolvercote-Waterways Action Group is fighting for effective noise and vibration mitigation and the reduction of air pollution for residents living near the railway line. WWAG is composed of Waterways, Wolvercote and Lakeside residents.

The Waterways Residents Association Community Interest Company (WRA) is kindly supporting the campaign by providing banking facilities.

This crowdfunding appeal will do more than just pay for the monitoring project; it will also show how many people are concerned about this issue.

Your contribution, however small, shows how you care about keeping our communities comfortable and livable for everyone.

Thank you so much for your help!