Icelandic Ash Cloud Brings Reduced Noise Levels

Noise experts have released figures for sound levels recorded around Heathrow during last month’s airspace shutdown caused by Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud, reports the Chiswick Times

Monitors from Richmond Council found average levels dramatically dropped, providing an unprecedented respite for residents living under the flight paths.

Campaigners, including the 2M coalition of councils, will use the results to back up their arguments against Heathrow expansion.

The new coalition Government threw out plans for a third runway last week.

Richmond Council said its sound monitors recorded a 10 decibel reduction over five days in Richmond town centre, under the southern flight path, and in Kew Gardens, under the northern flight path.

Neighbouring Hounslow Council recorded a drop from 69 decibels to 49 in Waye Avenue, Heston, and from 66 decibels to 48.2 at the Civic Centre, in Lampton Road, Hounslow.