Hugh Robertson intervenes in High Speed Train noise dispute

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham, has today asked the Managing Director of Southeastern to intervene in a row about the noise from the new high speed trains parked up in sidings at Faversham overnight.

A number of local residents have complained about the noise from the fans and other items of electrical equipment which turn on and off in the early hours of the morning and prevent them from getting any sleep.

Hugh first contacted Southeastern over the Christmas recess only to be told that the noise was within reasonable limits. However, research done by Swale Borough Council’s environmental team established that the noise level was 48db(A) whilst the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit was only 35db(A).

He has, therefore, asked the Managing Director to intervene personally, to sort out the issue.

Hugh said, “A number of Faversham residents have complained to me that they are being kept awake at night as a result of noise from Javelin trains parked overnight in the sidings. The noise levels, as researched by Swale Borough Council’s environmental team, are over a third above the recommended maximum.

I would like Southeastern either to provide more insulation to silence the noise or move the trains to other sidings. The amount of noise is currently far beyond any reasonable limits.”