The pitch is now in use. Around the pitch there are timber sleepers. They have been part covered with an Astro turf to help stop the cracking noise of hockey balls hitting the boards. It appears that this Astro solution is partly soundproofing in the immediate vicinity of the pitch at it’s high level above Browning Down. We are on chalk here and the pitch timber boards are sitting on the chalk, so when a ball hits the boards, the sound of guns firing or loud claps are heard below the pitch on Browning Down. Tormead have engaged on this subject with some locals but their low cost solution is not going to minimise this noise. They should be seeking a better solution behind the four goal areas where shooting is maximised during training. Thick guards should be applied, these guards are made up of thick foam and plastic, the ball will bounce off the guard and it is likely this will muffle the sound of the majority of shots in practice and for matches. We are looking into the required conditions to meet acceptable noise levels and we hope the school play ball to improve the guards!
Should you be bothered by the noises which are mostly heard in the afternoons and after school when residents are using the area, please be in touch via the contact email.
The picture shows the type of sound guard that should be used in the goal and behind the goal for at least 5 meters each side.
