PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on plans to reduce the misery of living with traffic noise from the M5 and main roads.

Droitwich and nearby Wychbold have both been deemed as ‘first priority locations’ under an action plan drawn up by the Government to tackle noise levels from roads, including the M5.

Margaret Rowley, Wychavon district councillor and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Mid-Worcestershire, was presented with a petition about the issue in the summer and is now urging people to have their say before the Government deadline on Wednesday, November 4.

The scheme has been drawn up following a new EU directive highlighting the responsibility of governments to manage and control traffic noise.

The areas identified as ‘first priority’ will be investigated further to determine what, if anything, can be done to reduce noise levels.

Many people living close to the M5 in Droitwich and Wychbold now hope that finally,something can be done to remedy the situation.

Coun Rowley said: “It’s good to see that the Government has at last recognised its responsibilities to manage excessive noise inflicted on people by traffic on the M5 and other busy roads.

“However, the rather sketchy map included in the consultation appears to leave out some of the areas badly affected by noise, particularly new estates built to the south-east of Droitwich and villages to the south.

“I have written to the Department of the Environ-ment and Rural Affairs to support the plan and point out that further studies of adjacent areas are necessary. I have included replies to the petition I received in the summer which asked for noise alleviation measures.

“I urge people to also send their own responses to the consultation if they have not already done so.”

The draft noise action plans can be downloaded from defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/noise-action plan/index.htm.

Views are being sought on the priorities which have been put forward and for suggestions as to what kind of measures can be put in place.

Responses should be sent to the Noise and Nuisance Team, Area 2a, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR or by e-mail to noiseactionplanconsultation @defra.gsi.gov.uk.