It's time to remove the ear plugs

As expected, the decision to limit an outdoor music event till 2 a.m. has generated protests from event organisers, who feel that they are entitled to trample upon the people's right to sleep. It is about time that the authorities give this issue serious consideration and take action, as thousands of families are being subjected to considerable stress caused by the noise generated by these events.

The claim made by Roger Degiorgio that he has a sound engineer going around the nearby villages to check the noise levels is risible. If this engineer is reporting back that no inconvenience is being caused to residents in the vicinity, then the person probably suffers from a hearing disorder.

It is high time for the authorities to remove the cotton buds from their ears and listen to the justified protests of the common citizen by putting a stop to this nonsense.

Any activity should never be allowed to continue past 11 p.m. unless it is completely soundproofed, and noise levels should be regulated even if the activity takes place before that time. Dr Degiorgio should note that the only "acceptable" sound level for residents is complete silence while they are sleeping. We cannot settle for less. I am in complete agreement with Fr Raymond Gatt that the argument is not about the time limit but about the noise pollution.

As far as many people are concerned, discos, concerts, weddings and rave parties can take place round the clock as long as they do not intrude on the privacy of their homes. I live in Attard and a couple of weeks ago I could not even watch television because of the noise generated by a concert taking place in the area. Action please.