NOISE mitigation infrastructure is needed ‘as soon as possible’ say councillors as they discussed the impact of noise pollution from the A34.

A motion was passed at a meeting of Oxfordshire County Council on Tuesday (November 1) to write to the National Highways’ Chief Executive Nick Harris to ‘stress the importance of funding and implementing physical noise mitigation infrastructure as soon as possible’.

Councillor Nathan Ley, who represents Abingdon North, brought the motion to full council saying the noise pollution is ‘unacceptable’.

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The councillor, who moved to Abingdon with is family a few years ago, said excessive noise pollution ‘raises the risk of numerous negative health outcomes’ and wants change for the town.

He said: ““Critically, excessive noise pollution raises the risk of numerous negative health outcomes, most notably cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbance.

“This really isn’t acceptable, and as someone passionate about public health I feel like something needs to be done.

““Well, I think that has to change. Not just for the sake of the immediate areas but for the whole town, as we all suffer.”

Councillor Glynis Phillips agreed, adding: “There is a particular problem that noise causes for residents living in Barton Lane in Headington.

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“It’s almost impossible to have a conversation on the front doorstep and residents say it’s unpleasant to sit in their gardens in the summer due to the noise and dust.”

The motion was approved unanimously.

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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