An Edinburgh resident living next to the ongoing tram works has told how persistent noise from early in the morning is disrupting his life.
Academic Colin Mackenzie, who has lived in Newhaven for over 10 years, says concentrating while working from home is difficult and getting his granddaughter off to sleep next to impossible.
He recorded on his phone a video of a digger making a distinct rat-a-tat noise. The footage was taken just before 8am and, according to Colin, consistently affects 400 families living near Ocean Terminal.
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Colin works from home and is an associate professor in business at a university in the Netherlands and also a consultant at a company. Living in the shadow of the tram works, he said: “It starts at 8am or before in the mornings so if you are working late as I have to work late because during the days it is really hard to work because I work from home.
“Trying to hold business meetings with this noise in the background is very hard. Also, as a very proud grandfather, childminding getting my granddaughter to sleep in the afternoon with the noise is incredibly difficult.”
As the works near completion this year, Colin continued: “People have been putting up with this for far too long.”
And the irritating din from the tram works is not the only thing that has affected Colin and many others living close to Ocean Terminal. He told us workers had to construct railings which meant a detour when crossing the main road.
This causes an ongoing problem when visiting the ASDA at Newhaven - with five minute stroll now taking 15 minutes.
Colin said: “It’s exceptionally inconvenient and it’s not good for anyone carrying heavy bags from ASDA or doing any shopping in Ocean Terminal.”
Work to extend the tram network from the city centre to Newhaven began in November 2019 with trams timetabled to take their first passengers to and from the waterfront neighbourhood this spring.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Works being carried out here will facilitate the new tram route to Newhaven, which will provide improved transport links for the community and enhanced public spaces. Construction noise is being kept within accepted guidelines and is standard for a project of this scale.
“I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience as we complete construction, and look forward to the benefits it will bring to the area in the coming months.”
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