Warning ahead of noise crackdown in Blackburn and Darwen
9:50am Saturday 17th May 2008
PEOPLE who create excessive noise are warned they could face a £5,000 fine.
Blackburn with Darwen Council's environmental health officers are aiming to keep the peace by dispelling some of the myths around noise as part of this year's Noise Action Week, beginning on Monday.
The team deals with an average of 900 complaints a year from residents, with barking dogs, loud music and burglar alarms topping the list, and 24 noise abatement notices were served.
Six people were given formal cautions for breaching noise abatement orders and five were prosecuted.
"Two per cent of those questioned for a national noise survey in 2007 said they had moved house to get away from noisy neighbours compared to one per cent who moved in 2006," said Coun John Slater, executive member for citizens and consumer rights.
"That's a significant increase and really shows the impact noisy neighbours can have on people's quality of life.
"As part of Noise Action week, we're taking the top four myths about noise to make people aware of the facts and what they can do if noise is causing a problem.
"Sometimes people aren't aware of the nuisance they are causing and a polite word will sort things out.
"If not, the council can get involved and if the noise is breaking the law - known as a statutory nuisance - we can seize equipment and take people to court.
"That is usually a very last resort and most complaints are sorted out long before that stage.
"All it takes is just a bit of thought and consideration for others."