Published on:
17
December 2012
Noisy neighbours in Clackmannanshire are being given sound advice about keeping the volume down.
Clackmannanshire Council is looking into the levels of noise related anti-social behaviour complaints and how best to tackle the issue. Scottish Government figures show a significant decrease in noise complaints reported in Clackmannanshire between 2008 and 2011. However, noise nuisance still represents a significant number of calls and is also the main reason people contact the Council about anti-social behaviour.
Barking dogs and loud music are the chief culprits when it comes to disturbing residents' peace and quiet.
Councillor Donald Balsillie, Enterprise and Environment Convenor, said: "People have a right to enjoy themselves in their own homes. All we are asking is that residents be considerate and think about how excessive noise could be affecting their neighbours. We live in a 24/7 society nowadays and there is much more noise throughout the day and night than there used to be, but people still need to be protected from unnecessary noise.
"Noise nuisance can be detrimental to people's quality of life - whether it's a dog barking, banging from DIY, loud music, people shouting, doors banging or alarms going off. Whatever the time of day or night no-one wants to be subjected to inconsiderate noise from their neighbours. Whether it keeps them awake at night when they have to be up early for work, or stops them enjoying life at home during the day, noise can be a very real problem.
"Fortunately, most residents in Clackmannanshire are considerate of their neighbours, but we will take firm action against the small minority who persist in causing noise nuisance."
Noise can affect people in different ways. Individual's tolerance of noise varies greatly as well. Some are unaffected by higher levels of noise while others are driven to distraction by the slightest sounds from next door.
"We have to be tolerant of each other," added Councillor Balsillie. "We are asking officers to look at the different types of noise complaints we receive to identify which present the biggest problems. Most of the time people don't realise they are disturbing their neighbours and the noise complaints are easily resolved. We are asking everyone to be considerate of their neighbours - especially at night. At the same time, people affected by noise do need to try and be sympathetic to their neighbours too. A certain amount of noise is a fact of modern living and we must learn to cope with some disturbance at some time. Our message is clear, a little give and take and some consideration for others is all it takes."
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils operate a joint Out of Hours Noise Team, which operate from 8pm - 3am Thursday to Saturday evenings. They respond to complaints of excessive noise, and where people refuse to comply with requests to keep the noise level down, fixed penalty notices of £100 can be issued. Further non-compliance can lead to confiscation of equipment and fines of up to £1000. The Council can also seize equipment such as stereos and TVs.
The Environmental Health team also includes the animal welfare officer who works with owners to educate them on behavioural issues with the use of anti-barking collars, training exercises and re-homing schemes, although re-homing is considered as a last resort.
If you report you are suffering from a noise nuisance then an Environmental Health Officer will investigate your complaint. You will be required to complete a diary sheet for a few weeks so that noise officers can decide on the best way to progress your complaint. Evidence of your complaint will be gathered using personal monitoring techniques and the noise team will always try to resolve the situation in the most informal and effective way possible, ensuring that the appropriate services have been engaged to ensure maximum support to you and your family.