Noisy neighbours? Tell us in advance

11:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in News

A COUNCIL is unlikely to come out if you complain that your neighbours are being noisy – because it needs advance notice.

The policy emerged after a resident called Southend Council’s environmental health out-of-hours noise abatement service to report a rowdy party in the early hours of Sunday morning, but was told no one could help.

The resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “One of my neighbours was having a party, with music blaring. “I’m reasonable, but this noise was keeping my children up. I contacted the out-of-hours service at Southend Council to be told, ‘sorry we have no one to come out’.

“After pushing a little further I was finally told this was due to staffing levels. So they are doing nothing. “What I would like to know from them is what exactly are they wasting my £1,100 council tax on?”

The council’s out-of-hours service includes noise nuisance and other complaints. It operates each Friday and Saturday night from 5pm to 1am, but this can vary to cover daytime events, according to the council. The service is also available one evening a week, up to 9pm.

Carl Robinson, Southend Council’s group manager for regulatory services, said workers’ shifts were geared towards responding to prior calls rather than dealing with calls as they happen.

He added: “In general, the workload for each out-of-hours shift is pre-planned, using complaint data to target the most persistent issues, including noise.

“This means, although any resident contacting us on a particular night may not receive an immediate response, all calls are recorded, which helps us then plan our forthcoming out-of-hours workload schedules.

“We take issues of noise nuisance very seriously and would like to reassure residents their complaints are listened to and dealt with appropriately.”

Anyone suffering noise nuisance issues can call the council on 01702 215000.

Comments (12)

11:39am Fri 14 Sep 12

fletch12107 says...

I called this department after a neighbour decided to have what can only be described as a rave which started at eight o'clock Sat night and was still going at one o'clock Sun morning. I was told that my complaint would be put "on the system" but was given no assurance someone would attend. I then informed the police as this comes under nuisance neighbour which is a public order offence and they too didn't attend. After all the grief recently caused by nuisance neighbours that have ended in people being killed you would think that this would be a priority although the police would have you believe that it is. I would like to know how you can book a "noise nuisance" in advance surely it only becomes a nuisance once you have witnessed it. I think that lack of commitment by the authorities is forcing people to consider vigilante groups to self manage these incidents and whilst not wishing to advocate such action I can see the advantages.
I called this department after a neighbour decided to have what can only be described as a rave which started at eight o'clock Sat night and was still going at one o'clock Sun morning. I was told that my complaint would be put "on the system" but was given no assurance someone would attend. I then informed the police as this comes under nuisance neighbour which is a public order offence and they too didn't attend. After all the grief recently caused by nuisance neighbours that have ended in people being killed you would think that this would be a priority although the police would have you believe that it is. I would like to know how you can book a "noise nuisance" in advance surely it only becomes a nuisance once you have witnessed it. I think that lack of commitment by the authorities is forcing people to consider vigilante groups to self manage these incidents and whilst not wishing to advocate such action I can see the advantages. fletch12107

11:39am Fri 14 Sep 12

aduksquack says...

The police used to deal with noise nuisance, then the responsibility was handed to councils. But councils are pretty much useless, particularly Southend council, so now no-one deals with noise nuisance and people end up taking the law into their own hands.
The police used to deal with noise nuisance, then the responsibility was handed to councils. But councils are pretty much useless, particularly Southend council, so now no-one deals with noise nuisance and people end up taking the law into their own hands. aduksquack

3:43pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Brunning999 says...

What do you expect 'value for money services'

The Police are basically now fulfilling their secondary purpose of dealing with things that have or are happening.

The primary purpose of the Police prevention of crime is basically left to poorly trained many overweight even obese PCSO's who do not work night work.

One of the reasons for this is the growing number of people that take and gain from the tax system and the reducing numbers of tax payers.
What do you expect 'value for money services' The Police are basically now fulfilling their secondary purpose of dealing with things that have or are happening. The primary purpose of the Police prevention of crime is basically left to poorly trained many overweight even obese PCSO's who do not work night work. One of the reasons for this is the growing number of people that take and gain from the tax system and the reducing numbers of tax payers. Brunning999

5:04pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Keptquiettillnow says...

Is there any point only working until 1am? Good to help keep pubs and bars in line but not very useful for a private party.
Tbh most people can accept 1am, its when is 3 or 4am its wrong.
Then again its SBC, what did I expect.
Is there any point only working until 1am? Good to help keep pubs and bars in line but not very useful for a private party. Tbh most people can accept 1am, its when is 3 or 4am its wrong. Then again its SBC, what did I expect. Keptquiettillnow

8:47pm Fri 14 Sep 12

munroclare says...

A few years ago I was calling the out of hours number every night of the week as my neightbour loved to do DIY along to music from 1am onwards. There used to be a lovely man, who worked on his own who would attend. On one night in particular the police attended as well, but would only stand and watch whilst the out of hours mans dealt with my abusive neighbour who was threatening. The police would not even tell him to turn the music off. It was only when I started contacted the daytime number EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR for a day that they sent my neighbour a letter. When this obviously made NO difference, I told them that I had recorded him and would contact my local news station and show them up for failing to act properly. Within 2 days all his equipment was confiscated and he received a criminal asbo. You really have to be foreceful with the council or they will leave it.
A few years ago I was calling the out of hours number every night of the week as my neightbour loved to do DIY along to music from 1am onwards. There used to be a lovely man, who worked on his own who would attend. On one night in particular the police attended as well, but would only stand and watch whilst the out of hours mans dealt with my abusive neighbour who was threatening. The police would not even tell him to turn the music off. It was only when I started contacted the daytime number EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR for a day that they sent my neighbour a letter. When this obviously made NO difference, I told them that I had recorded him and would contact my local news station and show them up for failing to act properly. Within 2 days all his equipment was confiscated and he received a criminal asbo. You really have to be foreceful with the council or they will leave it. munroclare

9:35pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Alec Cikes says...

Hey guys, I think you're dealing with this problem around the wrong way.
Is there really any need for you to go complaining to the council in advance about noise? I don't think so.
As Council tenants within a block why not try to establish amicable & trustworthy relationships within your building that shows respect to your neighbours.
When you know you're going to hold a such party on a particular night, why not put your neighbours in the know... knock on their door, leave them a leaflet, saying that you'll be holding a venue on the 30 Sept.

Be reasonable, don't be planning parties every night of the week, but do inform your neighbours when you are. Where there is respect, communication will usually hold you in good stead.
Good luck to yous.
Hey guys, I think you're dealing with this problem around the wrong way. Is there really any need for you to go complaining to the council in advance about noise? I don't think so. As Council tenants within a block why not try to establish amicable & trustworthy relationships within your building that shows respect to your neighbours. When you know you're going to hold a such party on a particular night, why not put your neighbours in the know... knock on their door, leave them a leaflet, saying that you'll be holding a venue on the 30 Sept. Be reasonable, don't be planning parties every night of the week, but do inform your neighbours when you are. Where there is respect, communication will usually hold you in good stead. Good luck to yous. Alec Cikes

10:37pm Fri 14 Sep 12

essex56 says...

munroclare wrote:
A few years ago I was calling the out of hours number every night of the week as my neightbour loved to do DIY along to music from 1am onwards. There used to be a lovely man, who worked on his own who would attend. On one night in particular the police attended as well, but would only stand and watch whilst the out of hours mans dealt with my abusive neighbour who was threatening. The police would not even tell him to turn the music off. It was only when I started contacted the daytime number EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR for a day that they sent my neighbour a letter. When this obviously made NO difference, I told them that I had recorded him and would contact my local news station and show them up for failing to act properly. Within 2 days all his equipment was confiscated and he received a criminal asbo. You really have to be foreceful with the council or they will leave it.
I have a similar problem with noise and other unacceptable behaviour. The council sent them a letter which made no difference, then I contacted the local councillor who went to talk to them but made the situation even worse. He then advised us to soundproof our home, why should we? They are the ones causing the problem. I won't be voting again as I will not elect people full of hot air and broken promises.
[quote][p][bold]munroclare[/bold] wrote: A few years ago I was calling the out of hours number every night of the week as my neightbour loved to do DIY along to music from 1am onwards. There used to be a lovely man, who worked on his own who would attend. On one night in particular the police attended as well, but would only stand and watch whilst the out of hours mans dealt with my abusive neighbour who was threatening. The police would not even tell him to turn the music off. It was only when I started contacted the daytime number EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR for a day that they sent my neighbour a letter. When this obviously made NO difference, I told them that I had recorded him and would contact my local news station and show them up for failing to act properly. Within 2 days all his equipment was confiscated and he received a criminal asbo. You really have to be foreceful with the council or they will leave it.[/p][/quote]I have a similar problem with noise and other unacceptable behaviour. The council sent them a letter which made no difference, then I contacted the local councillor who went to talk to them but made the situation even worse. He then advised us to soundproof our home, why should we? They are the ones causing the problem. I won't be voting again as I will not elect people full of hot air and broken promises. essex56

10:12am Sat 15 Sep 12

reptile says...

I can always tell in advance when my neighbour is going to be noisy; he cuts the grass. Then I know there is a party coming very soon.
I can always tell in advance when my neighbour is going to be noisy; he cuts the grass. Then I know there is a party coming very soon. reptile

12:42pm Sat 15 Sep 12

BIRLIS says...

Alec Cikes is right. Ongoing, regular disturbances are an issue, but the odd party? Our neighbours have an alnighter a couple of times a year. I don't think that is unreasonable.

Living in a community is give and take....
Alec Cikes is right. Ongoing, regular disturbances are an issue, but the odd party? Our neighbours have an alnighter a couple of times a year. I don't think that is unreasonable. Living in a community is give and take.... BIRLIS

4:51pm Sun 16 Sep 12

jolllyboy says...

Odd party okay but when it is regular we have a right to be able to have it turned down. Some of us have to have a night of sleep to go to work. Weekend peace can be the only peace we get.
Odd party okay but when it is regular we have a right to be able to have it turned down. Some of us have to have a night of sleep to go to work. Weekend peace can be the only peace we get. jolllyboy

6:50pm Sun 16 Sep 12

smalrh says...

I can only assume this article is concerning the party our neighbour had this particular night. Yes it was loud but a one off. If it happened every night or week, then there are grounds to complain, but a one off, i think the person who complained need to get a life. I have got children and it kept all of us awake, but are people not entitled to have fun once in a while. Lets just hope this persons neighbours go and complain next time they make a little bit of noise. Do some people have nothing better to do.
I can only assume this article is concerning the party our neighbour had this particular night. Yes it was loud but a one off. If it happened every night or week, then there are grounds to complain, but a one off, i think the person who complained need to get a life. I have got children and it kept all of us awake, but are people not entitled to have fun once in a while. Lets just hope this persons neighbours go and complain next time they make a little bit of noise. Do some people have nothing better to do. smalrh

2:47pm Mon 17 Sep 12

devil's fury says...

I am about to make some noise!

Ready for it?

Anyone want to tell the council in advance?

BANG! There it was. No council and my kids slept right through.

Noisy neighbours is not public order. Not according to the definition under the Public Order Act! It may be anti-social behaviour!

What do you expect the police to do about the noise?? Raid the place and confiscate all sources of music?

I'm told the police prioritise their calls. I'm glad they do. I'd rather pay taxes for them to attend violent incidents, injury accidents and serious crimes first and before a noisy party that disturbs your TV viewing! When my kids are tired they sleep through anything!

Everyone makes noise, so live and let live killjoys.
I am about to make some noise! Ready for it? Anyone want to tell the council in advance? BANG! There it was. No council and my kids slept right through. Noisy neighbours is not public order. Not according to the definition under the Public Order Act! It may be anti-social behaviour! What do you expect the police to do about the noise?? Raid the place and confiscate all sources of music? I'm told the police prioritise their calls. I'm glad they do. I'd rather pay taxes for them to attend violent incidents, injury accidents and serious crimes first and before a noisy party that disturbs your TV viewing! When my kids are tired they sleep through anything! Everyone makes noise, so live and let live killjoys. devil's fury

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