Letters to the editor: Decision to ban siren ludicrous

The Papamoa Fire Station's siren has been silenced at night. Photo / File

If a single complaint can silence the emergency fire sirens, as reported (News January 13), can one complaint in support of sirens have them reinstated?

We seem to be living in an increasingly strange world, and in all reality, what sort of sad individual wants sirens silenced when they are there to protect the community?

Do they also want tsunami sirens, security alarms and railway warning signs, etc, silenced with the obvious question being what next?

In rural communities, these sirens are often used to get the volunteers to the fire stations when there is a callout such as a fire or an accident and it is ludicrous that any consideration whatsoever is being given to such a daft decision to ban them.

I wonder if the emergency callout was for the person that has complained of the noise of sirens and whether or not in this instance they would have a different view?

Mike Baker
Bethlehem

Just one complaint

There is something fundamentally wrong with our society when one solitary person has the power to change the way emergency services in our community operate.

I am talking, of course, about the decision to switch off the Papamoa Fire Brigade alarm at night because one person has complained.

If another solitary person complains about that decision does that mean it will be reversed?

Everyone has the right to complain, air their views be they for or against the way things are done.

However, if an individual wants change, it is up to them to muster the support of a majority or, at least, a significant percentage of the affected population to bring about that change.

I'm afraid far too much notice is being taken of individuals and minority groups to the point that our society is becoming dysfunctional.

Ian Young
Papamoa Beach