Silence is golden for Rochdale residents

Date published: 14 May 2009

Blaring TVs and stereos, barking dogs, slamming doors, shouting and swearing are the main reasons why people complain to Rochdale Council.

Over 650 complaints about noise nuisance were reported to the council in 2008 by angry neighbours.

As part of National Noise Awareness Week (18 to 22 May) the council has released its latest complaints figures relating to noise nuisance, in a bid to get people thinking about the amount of noise they are making and the impact it could be having on their neighbours and the wider community.

In 2008 the council received 229 complaints relating to audio equipment, 172 complaints relating to barking dogs and 194 complaints relating to anti-social noise.

It is relatively uncommon for the council to pursue legal action, however, audio equipment has been seized on seven separate occasions and in some instances there have been prosecutions.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager for Rochdale Council, said: “Noise nuisance is a serious annoyance that can leave residents feeling miserable. For this reason we must take all complaints seriously.

"I’m pleased that in the majority of cases we are successful in resolving matters for the benefit of all concerned. 

"Unfortunately in some instances, where persistent noise is proving to be disrupting an individual’s quality of life, the council has a duty to take action against inconsiderate perpetrators and bring relief to victims. The consequences of being too noisy have meant that we have had to seize equipment and prosecute some individuals, although I stress that such action is only ever taken as a last resort.

"But noise nuisance complaints can be easily avoided if some residents were more considerate and turned it down.”

This year to mark National Noise Awareness week, the council is running a noise workshop at Balderstone Technology College. The workshops will introduce pupils to noise legislation, include discussions and activities relating to noise and how it can affect people, encourage pupils to consider the impact of their behaviour, and also look at ways of approaching noisy neighbours.

Andy Glover added: “Environmental Health Officers receive more complaints about noisy neighbours and their pets during the summer months of June, July and August. As the holiday season fast approaches we wanted to remind residents to be more considerate and turn the volume down.”