14th May 2007, 07/147
Keep it down for Noise Action Week
With neighbour noise complaints likely to rise in the summer the
District Council is urging people to turn down the volume for Noise
Action Week.
As summer approaches noise levels rise - with more open windows and
outdoor celebrations. The forthcoming smoking ban legislation is
also likely to mean more socialising on the street.
Between March 2006 and April 2007 the Council dealt with almost 500
noise complaints, with 174 relating to barking dogs and 324 about
neighbour noise.
So from 21st to 25th May during Noise Action Week, the Council is
encouraging everyone to consider the noise they make, and promote
practical solutions and services available to tackle
noisemakers.
Dave Tilleray, Executive Manager of Community Services, said: "Once
again we are supporting Noise Action Week because we know how
distressing it can be if you are affected by noisy neighbours. If
you are having problems then the first step is to have a polite and
friendly word with them. They may not realise that their noise is
upsetting you and there may be a simple solution or compromise. If
this fails and you still think that the noise is unreasonable, then
contact our Environmental Protection Team who will
investigate."
"We have a good track record in dealing with noise complaints and
residents can rest assured that we will not hesitate to take action
against noisy householders."
West Lancashire District Council's Environmental Protection Team is
responsible for investigating unwanted noise in the District. The
team works with local residents to solve noise problems, the most
common being loud music, barking dogs, burglar alarms, DIY and
general lifestyle noise.
The team offers the following advice to neighbours for reducing
noise:
· Music - Keep the volume and bass as low as possible, and keep
your speakers away from party walls
· Parties - warn your neighbours if you are going to have a loud
party
· Dogs - train your dog not to bark unnecessarily and do not leave
it alone for long periods
· Burglar alarms - ensure your burglar alarm has a 20 minute cut
off switch and appoint a key holder who can be contacted if the
alarm goes off. Remember, the Council can force entry into your
home to deactivate your alarm if it sounds for more than 20 minutes
and you will have to pay all costs...
· DIY - carry out all noisy DIY jobs during the day or at
weekends
· Lifestyle - avoid shouting or slamming doors
The Council has a duty to reduce or stop unwanted noise under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Noise and Statutory
Nuisance Act 1993 and can force entry into a house to turn off a
ringing alarm or seize stereo systems if necessary. For further
information, visit our Environmental Health section or contact the
Council's Environmental Protection team on 01695 577177.
Noise Action Week which is coordinated by NSCA every year, supports
organisations across the UK in raising awareness of noise nuisance
and how to tackle it.
Related information
> Council
news
> Environmental protection