The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has announced new regulations for concerts held at the Santiago Bernabéu. The introduction of the new rules is in response to numerous complaints from residents about the noise generated by the events.

Complaints from residents

In recent months, top musical artists such as Taylor Swift, Charles G, Luis Miguel and Duki have performed at Santiago Bernabéu. Their concerts have attracted crowds of fans, but have also generated significant noise, which has caused unhappiness among local residents. Those most upset had already held meetings and asked Madrid City Council to take appropriate action to alleviate the inconvenience.

Noise is not the only problem facing the neighbourhood. The area has also become more dangerous and much more polluted. The Mayor of Madrid has responded to these problems by announcing a new ordinance.

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Concerts with new rules

The ordinance came into force immediately and the first restrictions will be noticed by fans at the next event, during the concerts of the Dominican group Aventura on September 7 and 8. The closing times of the events will change - concerts must end at 23:00 at the latest, one hour earlier than before. This decision is aimed at reducing noise during the late evening hours.

In addition, gate opening schedules will be changed to minimise disruption to local residents. Real Madrid assured a few weeks ago that they were working on implementing soundproof curtains to cover the entire upper corridor of the stadium, which is in the open air.

A package of measures to improve cleanliness will also be introduced. Residents have complained about vandalism - many rubbish bins being knocked over or moved - and unpleasant odours resulting from the use of the area around Bernabéu as a toilet. Cleaning before and after events will therefore be reinforced. New waste collection systems will also be implemented, such as the placement of more rubbish bins. Real Madrid has pledged to cooperate in the security and cleaning of the neighbouring areas and will pay special attention to the fan zone. Access to alcohol will also be restricted.

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Will everyone be happy?

We don't want time to be rushed or more clean-up. What happens at these concerts exceeds all legal restrictions in many ways. They are taking place in a venue that is not fit for purpose and not properly licensed - says José Manuel Paredes, a resident of the area and spokesman for one of the associations fighting against the new Bernabéu project.

Despite the changes that have been made, many residents feel that these are only ad hoc solutions that do not address the main problem. The Association Aggrieved by the Bernabéu claims that noise levels still exceed acceptable standards and they are calling for a complete halt to concerts at the stadium, recognising that there is a health emergency. According to the residents, nothing will change, the concerts will be just as loud and disruptive, just at different times. It's a stopgap and people feel we are being laughed at- Paredes added.

© Madrid1902