Published on:
18
May 2012
Clackmannanshire residents are being asked to be considerate neighbours as part of National Noise Action Week from Monday May 21 to Friday May 25, 2012.
Noise can cause disruption and distress to everyone - at home, at leisure, at work and at study. National research shows that two fifths of the population say noise affects their quality of life and in 2008 around half a million people (1%) said they had moved home because of
noisy neighbours. This was more a problem in the private rented sector, where 4% said they had moved because of domestic noise.
Leslie Fisher, Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager said: "During Noise Awareness Week our officers will be promoting the simple measures that can be taken to prevent noise problems.
"Our primary aim is to help prevent noise nuisance by informing the public and seeking their co-operation to resolve matters. Enforcement action such as fixed penalties is only used when warnings have been ignored. "
During Noise Action Week everybody is urged to:
- Consider the noise they make and the effect it has on others
- Consider the noises that disturb them
- Use practical solutions to everyday noise problems
Leslie added: "Some people may be unaware that Councils have powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, to deal with noise complaints. Noise Control Officers deal with a wide variety of issues including barking dogs, loud music, noisy parties and DIY, and if the fixed penalty for antisocial noise of £100 is ignored then legal proceedings will be enforced via the Procurator Fiscal involving a possible increase of the fine to £1,000 - as was the case for a recent offender at Stirling Sheriff Court."
Last year Noise Control Officers at both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils dealt with over 200 complaints of domestic music noise, and where appropriate referred cases to the Procurator Fiscal to take court action against excessive noise.
Noise Action Week is coordinated by Environmental Protection UK. For
more information on NAW nationally, contact noiseactionweek@environmental-protection.org.uk, call 01273 878770 or visit www.noiseactionweek.org.uk