I am writing in response to the article 'Residents protest over airport noise' (South China Morning Post, September 7, 2010). Residents in two housing estates in Shanghai are being affected by the noise from the Hongqiao International Airport. The residents staged a protest and two were arrested. Residents said the police used excessive force on the protesters.
I think the police should not resort to violence. The residents were protesting peacefully - they were not causing a disturbance. The police even arrested a student who was filming the scuffle.
What's more, before the airport was built, the government did not think about noise pollution. Many residents say they cannot sleep at night, and some suffer from depression and mood swings.
The local government should come up with sound-insulation measures to help the residents.
Richard Tse Yuen-Cheong, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
From the Editor
