downsmail.co.uk


Ramblin’ Man festival did exceed noise level


A LOCAL Government ombuds- man has ruled that Maidstone Bor- ough Council (MBC) failed to keep noise levels within permitted levels during the Ramblin’ Man festival. Robin Miles, who lives a mile and


a half from the Mote Park venue, says noise levels from the concert saw him “retreat indoors, on some of the hottest days of the summer, for the entire festival”. Hewas one of dozens who voiced


their anger at the noise after the debut event in 2015. But after receiv- ing an “unsatisfactory response” fromMBC,and two further concerts at the park in 2016, he took his com- plaint to the ombudsman. The 73-year-old, from Copsewood


Way, said: “I asked MBC to escalate the complaint, but received no fur- ther correspondence. After another two concerts, I contacted my local councillor and, after some research, found I could take the complaint to the ombudsman myself.” The investigation by Local Gov- ernment Ombudsman Miriam Plant looked for failings by the council in adhering to policy and procedure. In


her report upholding the complaint, she said: “Mr Miles says the council failed to follow licensing and noise monitoring procedures at music fes- tivals near hishomein 2016.The om- budsman has found some evidence of fault, but no outstanding injus- tice.” Mr Miles says that while he is


happy his complaintwas upheld, he will be looking for better noise con- trols at this summer’s event, where more than 60 bands will play over three days (up from two) on July 28, 29 and 30, kicking off with heavy metal veterans Saxon.


Headded: “The council has said it


will change theway speakers are set to contain the sound, but Mote Park is in a residential area.” He also continues to be concerned


that “as a beneficiary of the event, the council is not best placed to act as noise enforcer”. Cllr David Pickett, chairman of the council’s leisure committee, said: “Following the Ombudsman’s re- port, it was found that the council acted within its obligations and that there was no basis for any enforce- ment action.We are always looking to strike the correct balance between hosting large-scale events for visitors and reducing their impact on nearby residents. “We are working with event or- ganisers to look at theways in which we can limit any disturbances for fu- ture events.” The council has confirmed a com- plaints’ line will be in operation dur- ing the event. Aspokesman added: “Aletter will


be sent to any resident that may be affected by the event by the end of June.”


News


Drones will be used in fight


against crime KENT Police is to start using drones at crime scenes, serious road crashes and in the search for missing people. The force has been trialling the unmanned craft since 2015, and has consulted with other police forces to identify the benefits to day-to-day policing. AKent Police spokesman said it


was hoped the drones could be employed to help officers find vulnerable missing people before they come to harm. They will also be used at some


crime scenes and at serious road traffic collisions to provide offi- cers with a better understanding of the terrain and evidential op- portunities. Drones will be operated by uni- formed police officers who have received appropriate training and use of the force’s drones will be published on the public-facing Kent Police website. Superintendent Mat Newton


said: “They will not replace police helicopters, but can be used by of- ficers during the early stages of an incident when a helicopter is not immediately available or their use is impractical.”


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