KEEP THE NOISE DOWN THIS CHRISTMAS, PEOPLE IN BRIGG AREA ADVISED

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

With Christmas fast approaching there will lots of parties and festive cheer, which can often lead to an increase in domestic noise complaints to the council.
North Lincolnshire Council would like to remind people planning on having a Christmas or New Year party to think about the time and the place to ensure you don’t disturb your neighbours.
Some ways you can keep the noise down include:

• Hold parties indoors and keep the noise levels down as the night progresses
• Don’t invite too many guests as it could end up spilling out into the garden and creating more noise
• Give your neighbours advanced warning that you’re having a party and maybe even invite them

Music is the main thing that people complain about at parties so be considerate when it comes to your music choice. Keep the volume down, especially later in the night when neighbours might be trying to sleep.
Make sure you keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to keep the noise contained.
Over the past 12 months, the council received 418 complaints regarding noise from domestic properties. The affects include lack of sleep, not being able to sit in their own homes and read a book, listen to their own radio or watch television.
The following complaints have been received this year:

• Noise from people shouting, singing etc – 188
• Noise from loud music – 168
• Noise from a party – 22
• Noise from a TV, stereo or radio – 40

The council has a duty to investigate noise that may be classed as statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The council investigates complaints of noise nuisance affecting residents and businesses. If it is considered that noise nuisance is an issue, an Abatement Notice will be served.
The following enforcement action has been carried out over the past 12 months:

• 396 letters to the source of noise complaints
• Digital noise monitoring equipment installed 135 times in complainants homes
• 42 formal interviews undertaken with people responsible for domestic noise nuisance
• 35 Abatement Notices served prohibiting the recurrence of noise nuisance in a domestic property
• 43 properties placed on the council’s out of hours noise monitoring service
• Four seizures of noise making equipment under warrant

Any items seized that are safe and passed electrical safety are donated to local organisations and charities.  
There have been two recent noise making equipment seizures. 
Coun Neil Poole, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We don’t want to stop anyone from enjoying Christmas and New Year’s Eve, however it is important we issue this friendly reminder to people about their noise levels when celebrating. Often people don’t realise the effect their levels of noise has on their neighbours. I would urge everyone to think about their neighbours when organising a party or get together this festive season.
“If we receive complaints of noise nuisance, officers will investigate and if they find there is a noise nuisance, an Abatement Notice will be issued. If this is breached, court action will be taken.”