Wall vent removal and sound dampening

[Neil_Murray]

Hello,

Would anyone know what the best method would be to remove a wall vent grille what might be bakelite?
I suspect this might be original from 1954 in an ex-council flat judging by the paint layers.

Out of curiosity, is there any sensible reason why someone would have glued paper over this at some stage? And more importantly, what product/method would you recommend to get his off without too much hassle so that I could apply a more even layer of paint if removal is likely to be overly destructive.

Also, does anyone have experience on how to reduce sounds coming in through the vents?
Assuming I can get the grille off the wall I was thinking on trying to fit something like this in
https://www.ventilationland.co.uk/en_GB/p/inno-ventilation-pipe-silencer-ø-100mm/8279/ depending on diameter of the actual hole but I am not sure if there'd be a better alternative?

 

[Wayners]

I taken loads out.
I know some are asbestos or cast plaster type but they will come out as one peace.
Up to you if you want to get it tested.
Our council tip has an asbestos bin.

Brick up the outside..
Inside shove some polystyrene in.
Inside opening I fitted a thermalite block in with sand and cement. Cut block with old saw easy.
Fill over wall. Sand and paint