"Keep the noise down!"

12.00.00am GMT Mon 11th Jan 2010

As a member of the European Parliament I was interested to see the work of Bristol City Council in involving residents in the implementation of the EU noise directive, through the EU funded Citizenscape project.

It is good to see the positive impact EU policy on environmental noise pollution is having at a local level. There is growing awareness of the impact noise pollution can have on people's health. Constituents in Bristol who have given their views are backing efforts to reduce noise pollution. They are also helping to identify quiet areas in the city. Quiet areas are particularly important for city living to give people peaceful places to relax.

DEFRA has recognised the good work in Bristol by involving the city in a pilot to identify and manage these quiet areas. I am sure that this will have a positive impact on other cities in Europe, ensuring that vital quiet spaces are retained for future generations. I would welcome comments to take forward to the European Parliament about how the EU can help tackle noise pollution.

It is encouraging to see how innovative use of the Internet is making it easier for people to engage with councils and government and have their say on issues that affect them directly. Tackling traffic noise will be a key part of making Bristol a Green Capital in Europe and the innovative approaches to consultation developed in this project will have far reaching benefits for all aspects of Bristol City Council's services.

To learn more about the Citizenscape project in Bristol, and to give your views on noise pollution, visit;

http://www.bristol.citizenscape.net/core/

I try to keep constituents regularly updated with EU policy developments like this through my weekly emailed newsletter. If you would like to be added to my distribution list, please email euro_office@cix.co.uk.