Train operator given seven days to turn down volume of station announcements

FORMAL action is being taken against train operator First Capital Connect (FCC) after its alleged failure to turn down the volume of travel announcements at St Albans City Station.

The district council issued FCC with a warning on Tuesday stating its intention to serve a noise abatement notice.

It follows a visit paid by the council's environmental health officers to the station last week where they found the volume of the tannoy was above permitted levels.

FCC now has seven days to explain to the council how it will solve the problem.

In January, the issue was brought to the attention of Herts County Councillor Chris White who represents St Albans Central. He had received complaints from people living nearby that the tannoy was too loud.

He told environmental health officers who found that the announcement system was louder than permitted. They then asked FCC informally to turn it down.

But when Cllr White checked with the complainants earlier this month and found that none of them was convinced that the volume had been lowered, he contacted environmental health again.

Cllr White said: "It's a pity that this couldn't be dealt with amicably and consequentially the council will have to use its powers to ensure FCC starts respecting needs of its neighbours."

A spokesman for the council said: "The noise levels were above the required level. We are issuing a seven-day notice of intention to serve an abatement notice during which they (FCC) can make representations explaining the action they are taking to resolve the problem."

An FCC spokesman said: "First Capital Connect met with environmental health on April 17 to discuss the announcements. A modified system was installed at this time and we provided the technical specification to the council. We are working closely with the council to find a quick solution.