LETTER FROM TFL RE SQUEALING TRAINS

Dear Stakeholder,

I am writing to you as someone who has previously contacted London Overground about the disruption experienced from the noise of trains passing through curves, which is commonly known as curving noise. 

I hope to be able to keep all stakeholders updated with regular information about the issue. This initial update is to explain the background to curving noise and to detail the steps TfL is taking to alleviate the issue. In future updates I hope to be able to explain the actions taken.

INTRODUCTION

TfL is aware that curving noise has given rise to a number of complaints since the London Overground service commenced. TfL is taking this matter very seriously and is in the process of trying to find a solution.  This note is to inform residents about the causes of curving noise and to provide an update on what steps TfL is implementing to address this issue.

CAUSES OF CURVING NOISE

Curving noise is not a straightforward issue.  Whilst it is caused by the rubbing/slipping of the train’s wheel on the rail as it moves through a curve, the actual elements rubbing/slipping can vary on different curves. To be able to address the problem, it is first necessary to understand which elements are involved.

There are three main causes of curving noise.  

1.    Wheel squeal - this results when the part of the wheel which rests on the rail slips small amounts repeatedly across the top of the rail

2.    Flanging – this is when the wheel flange (the overhung side of wheel which prevents the wheel from coming off the rail) rubs against the side of the rail.

3.    Flange contact - where the back of the wheel flange makes contact with an additional rail (the check rail) which helps ensure that the train does not de-rail on a corner.

Curving noise most commonly occurs on sharp curves, places where tracks crossover or in locations where there is ineffective lubrication of rails on curves. However, other factors that can influence the occurrence of curving noise include:

·         undulating (up and down) track

·         rough wheel and/or rail surfaces

·         out of shape wheels

·         weather conditions (particularly the presence / absence of rain or the level of humidity)

·         variations in train speed.

 CONSIDERATIONS IN SOLUTIONS – SAFETY, PERFORMANCE, WEAR, NOISE

The primary method of controlling curving noise is to control the amount of friction between the wheel and the running rail.  On the East London Line, a number of flange lubricators have been installed to lessen the friction between the wheel flange and the rail – thus reducing flanging noise.  In addition, top of rail friction modifiers have been installed to control the levels of friction on the top of the rail and thus limit the noise associated with wheel squeal.

The East London Line is believed to be the first railway in the UK to open with top of rail friction modifiers in place from opening.  These units are relatively new pieces of equipment, and they do not currently have full approval to be used on National Rail network – currently they are only be used on National Rail network at selected sites under a trial approval certificate.

However, as TfL considers that top of rail friction modifiers can be effective in reducing curving noise, approval has been given to the use of these items on the East London Line on a trial basis. However, given the new nature of the equipment, there will inevitably be a period of time required to adjust the set-up such that the units work to their maximum effectiveness.

As you will appreciate, the operations on a railway are safety critical, and all activities and adjustments need to be undertaken in a controlled manner such that no need new safety risks are introduced.

As such, the use of lubricators and friction modifiers on the railway needs to be carefully controlled as over application of these materials can result in the following problems:

·         increased stopping distances due to the reduced braking efficiency

·         potential collision risk caused by a train overrunning the signal and colliding with another train or hitting the buffers

·         the generation of wheel and rail defects

·         delays caused by the train overrunning the station and the doors not opening

·         the potential fire hazard and environmental impact of excessive grease and oil spatter

·         potential for fatigue cracking on the rail

Given the above, a number of safety and performance issues need to be taken into account when determining the optimum solution to reduce curving noise by the use of lubrication and friction modification systems.  As such, any adjustments that are made need to be made in a controlled and systematic manner.  This obviously takes time.  Time is also needed after any adjustments to determine whether the adjustment has been beneficial or not in reducing curving noise.

Please be assured, however, that TfL is taking all reasonable measures to solve this problem and to make any adjustments to the existing systems in a controlled and systematic manner that does not result in any unacceptable safety risks being imported into the operation of the railway.

ACTIVITIES PLANNED/ACTIONS TAKEN

TfL has undertaken visual observations and noise monitoring to identify the curves giving rise to the curving noise. Three initial priority sites have been identified to target at present (two in Lewisham and one in Hackney).  These comprise:

·         The ‘Back Road’ at the New Cross Gate Depot (i.e. the tracks that go beneath the flyover to the maintenance shed),

·         The Flyover that carries the tracks over the New Cross Gate Depot, and

·         The Holywell Curve (just north of the new Shoreditch High Street Station towards Hoxton station).

Further assessments on the Back Road are currently being undertaken to ascertain the exact cause of the noise and thus assist in determining what further can be done to mitigate it. The lessons learnt from this exercise will be used as a basis to progress solutions at other locations.

In addition, the data from the visual observations and noise monitoring is being used to develop proposals for longer term unattended monitoring systems.

TfL has also met with a number of industry experts (including acoustic experts) from London Underground, Arup and Network Rail and the University of Southampton to discuss approaches to controlling curving noise.

Currently, TfL’s maintenance team is working with the suppliers of the lubricators and top of rail friction modifiers to adjust the equipment so that it is working at its optimum.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN / PLANNED

The following provides a brief summary the actions that TfL has already taken, or is in the process of undertaking, to address the curving noise issue: 

·         a detailed record of the exact location of each lubricator system has been established to ensure there are accurate records

·         multiple visits have been made to check that the existing systems are working correctly and to make adjustments to improve their performance 

·         a dedicated database has been developed to capture and manage complaints about curving noise.  This will assist in undertaking trend analysis etc

·         Back Road at NXG Depot:

o   additional maintenance has been carried out on the existing flange lubricators, and the settings have been optimised to improve the spread of lubricant around curve

o   an additional lubricator has been installed on the check rail,

o   specialist noise monitoring on board a moving train is to be undertaken to understand the impact of the above modifications - it is hoped the monitoring will help identify whether there is a need to relocate the existing lubricators or use top of rail friction modifiers. 

·         Holywell Curve/NXG Flyover:

o   fixed noise monitoring kit is being specified.  Once any appropriate system has been defined, this will be installed to enable easier access to data on the occurrence of wheel squeal events – thus enabling TfL to assess the effectiveness of adjustments made to the existing lubrication systems.

Whilst we appreciate the disruption can be difficult for those living and working nearby please be assured Transport for London is taking the issues seriously and working hard to alleviate the disruption caused by curving noise.

We hope to be able to keep all stakeholders regularly updated with progress via an email bulletin. If you do not wish to receive further email updates please let me know.

Regards

Julie Dixon

Head of Marketing & Communications

Bar Music Hall Goes for Extension

Bar Music Hall on Curtain Road is applying for a licence til 2.00am Monday to Thursday and 3.00am on Friday and Saturday.Currently they are open til midnight Monday to Thursday and 1.00am at weekends.

Closing date for representations is 30 August. This bar falls within the Special Policy Area so they will have to demonstrate these hours do not add to the cumulative impact on Shoreditch.

Bar Music Hall
134/136 Curtain Road
London EC2A 3AR

Licensing Applications week ending 16 July 2010

This is the old Legion pub.

Be At One

348 Old Street

London EC1V 9NQ

Haggerston

Be At One Ltd

Application for variation of premises licence for recorded music, performance of dance, anything of similar description, making music, facilities for dance, entertainment of similar description, supply of alcohol and late night refreshment from 10:00 to 01:00am Sunday to Thursday and from 10:00 to 03:00am Friday and Saturday.

12/08/2010

Free Swimming to Continue in Hackney

You may have read that the coalition government has cut funding for free swimming. It is, according to Tory Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson "a luxury we can't afford". 

However, there's good news in Hackney following an announcement from the Mayor, Jules Pipe, that thousands of residents can continue to swim for free at Hackney’s leisure centres. The free swimming programme is for all under 18s and over 60s and has been very popular in Hackney.

Despite the Government cutting their part of the funding, Hackney Council will keep the programme going.

There will also be a consultation later this year to find out more about local people’s priorities for use of facilities in Hackney, and work out the best ways to promote and encourage swimming activities for residents.


The Tory Government used a piece of research by PriceWaterhouse Coopers to justify their decision. However, according to today's Guardian, the report in fact concluded that "Overall the impact has been positive." They suggested the scheme be built on to "ensure the free swimming programme delivers the desired outcomes to an even greater degree, including enhanced value for money". They recommended local authorities work harder to market the free entry to attract non-swimmers, and "make facilities more attractive to lapsed swimmers through capital improvement projects".

for more information go to the GLL website here.

Election Result

Yesterday the local election results in Hackney were announced. It was a great set of results for Labour - holding all our seats with big majorities and winning seats from the Greens and the Tories. Jules Pipe was re-elected Mayor with 58% of the vote.

A big thank you to all the people who helped in the campaign in Haggerston and to all the residents who have placed their trust in Labour Councillors for another four years.Results for Haggerston below:

ARROWSMITH	Christian	Liberal Democrats	1,272
BEATTIE	Geoffrey	Conservatives	764
BUITEKANT	Barry	Labour	2,237
BULLOCK	Doreen	Conservatives	785
FONTAINE	Samantha Veronica	Conservatives	756
MCSHANE	Jonathan Dominic	Labour	2,380
MUNN	Ann Elizabeth	Labour	2,198
PAYNE	Geoffrey	Liberal Democrats	1,121
RAE	Ben	The Liberal Party	135
SLOBODA	John	Liberal Democrats	808
SOMMERS	Lucy	Green	706

Turnout: 54%
Total votes cast: 5,006

This is the age - of the train

The opening of the East London line made me think of an advert from my childhood.

For Haggerston residents this really is the age of the train.

3 Sided Football Match in Haggerston Park

SUNDAY 2 MAY Haggerston Park, London E2

As the election becomes set for a three way ‘photo finish’ teams representing the three main political parties will compete to win a 3-sided football match played on a hexagonal pitch at 3pm on Sunday 2 May in Haggerston Park, London E2.

Representing the Labour Party are Philosophy Football FC; Conservative Futures and the University of the Arts form the Conservative team; while the liberal leaning graphic designers play for the Liberal Democrats.

With 3 teams, 2 referees and the side conceding the least goals winning the match, this promises to be a very different angle on the beautiful game.

The match is organised by the Whitechapel Gallery’s new writer-in-residence, Sally O’Reilly. She wants the game to echo the alliances, competition and connivances of the political machine.

Geoff Andrews, Manager of Philosophy Football FC, said: ‘The General Election has turned into a three-sided affair and so a three-sided football match seemed apt. We can expect some sharp tactics from Mandelson and co though nothing to compare with what will be on display at Haggerston Park.’


• Origins of 3 Sided Football. Devised by artist Asger Jorn (1914–1973), his idea for 3 sided football was for it to deconstruct the confrontational, bi-polar nature of party politics. So instead of winning by scoring goals, a team wins by conceding the fewest goals.
• 5 Rules of 3 Sided Football as proposed by Philosophy Football FC:
o SCORING : A team does not count the goals it scores, only the goals it concedes. The winner is the team that concedes the fewest goals.
o THROW-INS / CORNERS : On the hexagonal pitch, each team has two sides of the six-sided pitch: the side with the goal (the 'backside') and the side opposite to your goal (the 'frontside'). If the ball goes out on one of your two sides, you get the throw-in / goal-kick. If it went out off a player, the throw-in or corner goes to the team whose own goal is nearest to where the ball went out.
o REFEREES : There will be two referees.
o LENGTH OF TIME : Ideally, teams will play until people get bored, start to wander off, fall asleep etc: however, three thirty minute 'halves' with teams rotating goals should work well.
o NO OFFSIDES : There will be rolling subs, rush goalies etc.

Haggerston Joins the Tube

After a long campaign by Hackney’s Mayor, Jules Pipe, Hackney is finally joining the Tube.

The huge £1.4bn infrastructure investment by Labour means Haggerston residents can use their Oyster card on new, fast and direct trains to the City, New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon from the new  Hoxton & Haggerston stations.

Later, the  service will be extended to Highbury & Islington, Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction, opening up wider job opportunities for Hackney people.

Labour celebrated the completion of the East London Line investment with an event at the new Dalston Junction station with Jules Pipe and Meg Hillier.

Picture: Jules Pipe and Meg Hillier in cafe after event

Hackney Labour Manifesto Launched

With the general and local elections only a few weeks away, Hackney Labour has launched our manifesto for the local elections and for Hackney Mayor.

The manifesto is a detailed and costed set of proposals which set out a clear vision for the borough for the next four years and which looks back on our record since the last election.

Highlights of some of our commitments are:

• make it easier for people to report anti social behaviour and noise nuisance
• launch a campaign for responsible dog ownership
• commit to further support for victims of domestic violence
• increase drug and alcohol treatment places by 10%
• we will plant at least another 1,000 street trees
• we will look to expand our recycling service further
• all residential streets will be covered by a 20mph speed limit by 2014
• we will look to support those residents who want to grow more of their own food
• continue to provide free swimming for children and the elderly
• continue to work with the Hackney Empire to ensure it reopens
• we will complete the rebuilding or refurbishment of all our secondary schools
• six primary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished to the highest standards
• we will open five new youth centres
• we will complete Decent Homes on our estates by 2013
• we will use all our powers to bring empty properties back into use
• by 2013 - we will have created 100 council apprenticeships
• we'll increase the number of council services available online

You can download a copy of it here.

Shoreditch Power Cuts

(Coat of arms used by Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch 1900-1965)

Shoreditch residents and businesses have been plagued by power cuts recently - often with little or no warning.

Local people have set up an online action group here.

I've written to the CEO of EDF, Vincent de Rivaz, asking for a plan to sort out the technical issues causing so many power cuts and to improve communication with residents and businesses.

God knows what the good people of the old Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch would have made of all this.

Your Labour Action Team for Haggerston

Contact the team on haggerston@hackney-labour.org.uk or 07921 870908



More about the team:

Cllr Jonathan McShane
Jonathan McShane has been a Labour Councillor for five years, representing Haggerston Ward since 2006.

Aged 36, he lives in the ward on Laburnum Street and has lived in Hackney for thirteen years. A member of the Unite trade union, Jonathan works for the NHS in Southwark.



Jonathan has run three marathons in recent years raising thousands of pounds for Laburnum Boat Club.

 As Chair of the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission he convinced the local NHS and the Council to sign up to a dignity charter for older people which aims to ensure all older people are treated with dignity and respect.

As a Member of the Board of Hackney Homes he helped them secure two stars from the Audit Commission, releasing £225 million to improve people’s homes.



He is a Member of the Management Committee of the VLC Centre for refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and was a school governor at Randall Cremer School.

If re-elected Jonathan’s priorities are the council’s role in improving people’s health, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and raising the aspirations of young people in the area.



Ann Munn
Ann Munn has been chosen by local Labour members to stand to be a Councillor for Haggerston Ward.



Aged 48, she has lived in Hackney for twenty years. She works in Information Technology at the University of Westminster. Ann enjoys living in Hackney and has swum regularly in the 50m pool at London Fields Lido since it re-opened, shops in the local markets at Ridley Road and Broadway Market, and enjoys visiting all the cultural facilities such as Hackney Library, Hackney Museum and the Hackney Empire.



Previously the Women’s Officer of the local Labour Party, Ann is a member of Unison, the public sector trade union, and a supporter of Amnesty International and SERA (Labour’s Environment Campaign).  She is a member of the London Cycling Campaign.



If elected, Ann wants to:


1. Work hard for the residents of Haggerston; she has worked in customer service for 20 years and would use this experience to fight for the needs of residents.

2. Be accessible by providing a contact phone number and e-mail; and reply promptly to residents’ concerns.

3. Encourage all children and young people in Haggerston to use their talents and to make the best of their lives.



Cllr Barry Buitekant
Barry Buitekant has been a Labour Councillor for Haggerston Ward since 2006.

Barry has lived in Hackney almost his entire life and was educated locally at Edith Cavell Secondary Modern School on Queensbridge and Enfield Roads. He enjoys using local parks and libraries. Barry is a member of the Haggerston, Millfields and Springfield Park User Groups. He is a member of the USDAW trade union and of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Barry has worked with all the local Tenants and Residents Associations for the last four years and with Canalside and London & Quadrant Housing Associations.

 Barry is proud of having helped to push through the regeneration of the Haggerston West and Kingsland estates.



Barry’s priorities are improving services on Hackney Homes estates, improving local parks and improving bus services.

Nappuccino at Hackney City Farm

The Hackney Real Nappy Network (HRNN) is a group of parents living in Hackney, London, UK, who use and promote real nappies.

They are holding a 'Nappuccino' social event on Friday at Hackney City Farm where you can find out more about the benefits of using real nappies. You can also claim a £54 real nappy voucher and spend it at the event.

Nappuccino, Hackney City Farm, Friday 26th March from 10.30-12pm.

Register with Leo on 020 8356 7930 or leonor.barricartebulnes@hackney.gov.uk

Lapdancing Consultation

Last night at Licensing Committee, councillors unanimously agreed to go out to consult residents and businesses in Hackney on the proposed new policy regarding "Sex Establishments".

The government has recently passed new legislation that will come into force later this year that allow local councils to licence lap dancing clubs, sex shops and sex cinemas using a different set of powers.

These include setting a maximum number of premises within a locality. Last night, the committee decided to consult on a "nil" policy across all of Hackney. It means that the five premises that currently have a sex encounter licence - which will then seek a "sexual entertainment" licence - would have to argue forcefully why they should be the exception to the policy.

Potentially, this could see all of the venues shut when they seek their licence renewal next spring.

The consultation will begin in the summer and we expect the policy to be adopted, subject to the outcome of the consultation, this autumn.

You can read the policy proposals here.

Photos from East London Line

Not long to go now...

Hoxton station is, like most good things, actually in Haggerston.

You can see one of the Fellows Court towers in the background.

More information on the line can be found here.

New powers to target street drinkers

The Council has today approved a Designated Public Place Order which gives police the power to confiscate alcohol being drunk in public places or require people to stop drinking. Failure to comply can result in arrest or a fixed penalty notice being issued.

This is not going to stop people enjoying a drink in the park - it’s for the persistent drinkers who’re shouting and intimidating people, and giving police the power to deal with them.

Tory mayoral candidate Andrew Boff does not approve. He told the Hackney Post:

“I think it would work in isolated problem areas but a blanket ban is just another example of the nanny state."

He's wrong. First of all it's not a ban on drinking - it's a power to prevent anti-social drinking in public places that makes decent people's lives a misery. Second, the trouble with tackling 'isolated problem areas' is that street drinkers simply move on a few hundred yards and cause misery to a new group of people. That's why Haggerston Councillors and others argued for a Hackney wide approach.

Latest news from Haggerston Safer Neighbourhoods Team

The latest Haggerston Safer Neighbourhoods team newsletter is out and can be found here.

It includes information about the "Hackney Says Relax" campaign run in Shoreditch over the festive period.

It also outlines the latest policing priorities set by local people at their recent CAP Panel meeting:

• Anti-social behaviour - drugs • Anti-social behaviour - youths • Squatters

On this last priority there has been recent action to evict 17 squatters from the Haggerston Estate which is being redeveloped to provide new homes for residents.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Alan Laing, said: “These squatters spoilt the quality of life for tenants who were still in the block and those living close by. Due to the premises closure order, they are finally out of the block and vital improvement works can now carry on for the estate.”

Making Recycling Easy

An earlier post mentioned our record level of recycling - we're all helping to get our recycling rate up even more and have reached 27% earlier this year.

As part of our ongoing attempts to make it easier and better for everyone to recycle, the council is going to trial recycling bins in busy areas of Hackney as 60 new bins are put on the streets. The new bins, which collect recyclables at one end and litter at the other, allow passers-by to recycle their newspapers, drinks cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles, at the same time as disposing of general waste.

New Contract on Anti Social Behaviour for Hackney Homes Residents

Hackney Homes have published a contract in their latest magazine to residents about how they respond to anti social behaviour.

From the complaints we receive from residents, we know that anti social behaviour can have a massive impact on people's lives and that it can be frustrating and slow getting effective action to be taken.

Please do let us know you have any problems with anti social behaviour on your estate and we can help to take this up with Hackney Homes. You can also report ASB through the local housing office; online at www.hackneyhomes.org.uk, texting 07527 385603 or calling the out of hours helpline on 020 8356 3310.

When you report ASB, you can expect:

• An acknowledgment letter within three working days
• An invitation for an interview within five working days
• An action plan for resolving the complaint within 12 working days
• Monthly reviews of your case and regular contact updating you on progress

For more serious acts of ASB, you can expect:

• An acknowledgment within 24 hours
• An invitation to an interview with 24 hours
• An action plan within 12 working days
• Regular monthly reviews and contact.

More information online here.

Grow Your Own Food

Hackney Homes has teamed up with Capital Growth to help residents grow their own food.

Residents can apply for between £200 and £1500 from the Capital Growth Scheme to use spare pieces of land on estates for food growing. Hackney Homes gardeners can also help provide seeds, plants, and advice for residents intersted in growing.More info here. Fellows Court TRA is already looking into options for growing food on their estate.

Council Tax Frozen for Fifth Year Running

On Wednesday at the Town Hall, Labour's Budget for 2010/11 was agreed by the Council.

The good news is that council tax will be frozen for the fifth year in a row. Hackney's council tax is now below the London average and is the only council in the country to have five years in a row with no rise in council tax.

By running the Council more efficiently Hackney has made savings of more than £40 million during the past five years, the highest amount in London according to recent Government figures, and the third highest in the country. This has allowed consistent investment in those services that matter most to residents - with no cuts to frontline services.

During a lively Full Council meeting where the budget was debated, we also confirmed that there will be investment in the following areas:

• £66m on keeping our streets clean, waste and recycling services - including specific investment in improving recycling on estates with new containers which will allow residents to recycle a wider range of materials and extra investment into graffiti removal, and weekday litter picking
  
• £25m on safer neighbourhoods - working with partners to reduce crime and anti social behaviour across the borough
  
• £5.2m on parks and green spaces - to build on our record of 9 green flag parks across Hackney. We will also be refurbishing toilets in all our parks.
  
• £72m on children and young people's services - as well as £5m from the Myplace project which will bring new state of the art youth centres across the borough
• £186.7m on education - with £170m over the next five years going into the next phases of the Building Schools for the Future programme
  
• Investment in adult social care to provide an additional 5000 hours of homecare to support vulnerable residents in Hackney in their own homes
• £500k into a new library in Dalston
• Further investment in cycle training programmes, road safety improvements, car clubs, electric charging points and street decluttering
  

All the budget documents are publicly available here.

Conservative Proposals:

There weren't any. For the first time ever, the main opposition group didn't propose their own budget. In a truly remarkable and shocking move, they simply didn't do anything to propose their own budget, nor query any major part of the Labour budget. They have shown how unprepared they are and how little effort they have made in offering the people of Hackney an alternative.

Green Party Proposals:

This was to tax car owners and small local shops, by massively increasing the cost of parking your private car outside your house. They also proposed increasing pay and display costs (vital for customers to local shops) by 12%, when Labour in Hackney has decided to freeze them, given the recession, to help our local shops and town centres. They also proposed a massive cut in the budget to keep our streets clean and cutting the budget to replace old street lighting and dealing with pot-holes on our roads and broken pavements - which would affect about 300 roads in the borough.

Lib Dem Proposals:

These were to cut £170,000 from street cleaning and invest it in a bike club. They also proposed cuts to the planning service which is so vital in ensuring that illegal development doesn't happen.

It's Hackney Labour that offer Hackney residents a clear and costed approach to running the council.