Corporation to tackle TfL over ‘intolerable’ Tube noise

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Increases noise pollution from the Tube is making life unbearable for some Barbican residents.
Increases noise pollution from the Tube is making life unbearable for some Barbican residents.

The City Corporation has vowed to target an “ineffectual” Transport for London over “intolerable” Tube noise and vibrations plaguing residents of the Barbican Estate.

Cripplegate councillor Mary Durcan raised the issue at the Court of Common Council last week, demanding action on behalf of residents in her ward who say they are “utterly exhausted” after years of noise and vibrations from Hammersmith & City, Circle, and Metropolitan line services running directly underneath their flats.

Poor track maintenance and heavier trains are being blamed for the worsening noise for some blocks on the eastern and western side of the estate, where TfL has recorded levels as high as 53 decibels inside flats.

More than 30 residents have signed a petition asking the Corporation to act, after repeated complaints to TfL with no solution in sight.

They also have the backing of London Assembly member for City & East London, Unmesh Desai, who raised the issue with Mayor Sadiq Khan and deputy minister for transport Heidi Alexander, demanding action.

The Corporation’s port health and environment committee will take up the issue in the coming months.