Neighbours in Bristol suburb complain that new bongo drums and musical instruments in children’s playground make it ‘too noisy to think’
- Instruments added during refurbishment of the play area in St Andrew’s, Bristol
- The playground reopened on December 19 after two months of construction
- Residents were quick to express their concerns on social media about the noise
Disgruntled neighbours have complained that newly installed musical instruments in a children’s playground have disrupted their peace and quiet.
A set of three bongo drums and a multi-coloured xylophone were added during the refurbishment of the play area in the up-market suburb of St Andrew’s, Bristol.
But the instruments have struck the wrong chord with some residents who say that the din they create has now made the area ‘too noisy to think’.
A set of three bongo drums were added during the refurbishment of a play area in the up-market suburb of St Andrew’s, Bristol
The playground was reopened on December 19 after two months of construction work but residents were quick to express their concerns on social media about the noise.
One resident, George Clarke, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said he can appreciate the idea behind instruments in park – but that it has disrupted the peace and quiet in the area.
Mr Clarke said: ‘Whilst respecting a fun idea, I don’t think the park is big enough to be an appropriate setting for permanent noise play instruments.
‘St Andrew’s Park is the only green retreat for the many in areas who don’t have cars or indeed the many who live in flats with no garden.
‘Sadly installing permanent noise-making instruments in the centre of a small park means there is nowhere for other users or nearby residents to get away from the resulting racket.’
A multi-coloured xylophone was also included when the playground was reopened on December 19 after two months of being under construction
He added: ‘Permanent noise means activities such as just enjoying nature, thinking, meditating recharging batteries in nature or even chatting to friends are effectively wrecked.
‘It also inadvertently sends out messages to children that it’s okay not to spare a thought for anyone else and to dominate with noise and be selfish and less appreciative of the natural environment.’
Mr Clarke says that creating a musical space for children to attend would be more better than using a small park where noise travels.
He believes parks should be respected for their ‘uniquely green aspects’ and not just seen as ‘glorified playgrounds for the sole use of young families.’
He added: ‘I would gladly donate to a music making space for children.
‘Most people in favour of this installation drive to the park and then drive off again.
‘But for those without a car or who live in a flat, they now can’t go in their only green oasis, which they need for well-being, without getting a headache.
‘No-one can get away from the sound of the play installations – although it would be a lovely idea in a more appropriate space.’
Toby Morse added: ‘Who thought that permanently installing bongos in the play area was a good idea?’
Residents were quick to express their concerns on social media about the noise coming from the park
However, a number of people disagree with Mr Clarke and have stated that it is a children’s park and that there should be ‘noise, fun, and laughter’.
One Facebook user, Amy Mills, wrote under Mr Clarke’s post and said: ‘I think the chimes make a really nice sound.
‘The park is very busy in the day so lots of noise from the kids is expected.’
Another, mother-of-three Melanie Kenson, wrote: ‘It’s great, the park needed this!
‘Let kids be kids and have some fun. They don’t play quietly anyway.’
Paul Tinkler added: ‘Ridiculous. I have never heard these noises and we spend loads of time in the park. Get over it.’