Thank-you for drawing attention to the problems caused by the noise of leaf-blowing machines (H&H August 9). The response has been enormous, with over 100 people writing to the Campaign Against Leaf-blowing Machines (CALM). Some letters are from very aggr

Thank-you for drawing attention to the problems caused by the noise of leaf-blowing machines (H&H August 9). The response has been enormous, with over 100 people writing to the Campaign Against Leaf-blowing Machines (CALM).

Some letters are from very aggrieved people indeed. The problem is acute when these machines are used during weekdays for large lengths of time.

Those badly affected include night-shift workers, parents with babies trying to sleep, people convalescing and the large number of artists, writers, researchers and people working from home in Ham&High land.

Many of the Noise Abatement Society's complaints are against noises which are in fact necessary: a reversing lorry beeps because it will save the life of an inattentive or hearing-impaired pedestrian. A night train rattles the house, but there's no milk that morning without one.

But what is the necessity of a leaf-blower? Why 100 decibels of noise indefinitely? And it is the indefiniteness of the noise which is just as aggravating as the very loud, aggressive sound.

This week, for example, two members of CALM witnessed a blower being used in Waterlow Park for 55 minutes along paths which had the occasional leaf out of place: 55 minutes! Why?

Any reader affected by the unnecessary noise of these machines in council-owned places might like to send a postcard of complaint to: Martin Stanton, Head of Parks and Open Spaces, 7th Floor, Town Hall Extension, Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EQ.

Readers can contact CALM on Carnabetian@hotmail.com

Wishing you all some peace!

S McAuslane, M Rawitzer,

M Phillips, T Taylor,

G Gosling, S Reynoldson,

K Ridler, R Walker, L Haynes

(Campaign Against

Leaf-blowing Machines)