Noise Action Week 2008
Noise Action week is an annual National Campaign run by the Environmental Protection body, Environmental Protection UK. Its aim is to promote increased awareness of noise and its impact on the environment, people and their health.
The number of noise complaints in Mid Beds has increased notably in the past few years.In 2004, Mid Beds received 338 noise complaints, in 2005 – 561, in 2006 - 686 and in 2007 - 675 complaints.
The sources of these complaints are:
· Neighbour noise e.g. loud music,
· Noise from pubs, clubs & other licensed premises
· Intruder & vehicle alarms
· Fireworks
· Barking dogs
· Agricultural noise e.g. bird-scarers
· Construction / Industrial Activities
· Transport (e.g. planes)
The effects of noise on people, depends on factors such as the intensity, frequency, duration and the type of noise. Exposure to unwanted environmental noise can interfere with normal daily activities, cause prolonged loss of sleep and result in a range of adverse health effects from general annoyance to stress, anxiety and depression.
Mid Beds is this year, focusing on promoting good neighbourly behaviour and on reducing the impact of noise from licensed premises, such as pubs, clubs and village halls.
Good Neighbourly Behaviour
Officers will be on hand at the following locations, to answer questions, offer advice and tips on good neighbourly behaviour, e.g. using cut out timers on house alarms and other general noise issues:
· Waitrose, Ampthill on Monday 19th May and Thursday 22nd May between 10 am and 2pm
· Sainsbury, Biggleswade on Tuesday 20th May and Wednesday 21st May between 10am and 2pm
If you are unable to attend any of the above roadshows, you can report a particular problem with noise to the council by calling Mid Beds District Council on 08452 30 40 40.
Noise from Licensed Premises
While licensed premises form an important part of the community, they can also be a source of noise that can disturb, annoy and cause nuisance to neighbouring residents.
Mid Beds District Council received 59 complaints in 2007 about noise from Licensed Premises. This is an increase from 54 complaints in 2005 and 51 in 2006.
Mid Beds officers will be raising awareness of these noise issues with Landlords and other responsible persons who run licensed premises. They will be reminded about new enforcement powers the council has, to deal with night noise offences between 11pm and 7am from dwellings, including licensed premises.
They will also receive a letter and guidance leaflet on controlling noise from Licensed Premises, and inviting them to contact Mid Beds for a free advisory visit to discuss how they can reduce the impact of noise from their premises.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended), the Council has a duty to investigate complaints received regarding an alleged noise nuisance. Officers from the Council’s Environmental Services Division have powers to take action where it is established after investigation, that a noise nuisance is being caused, or is likely to occur or recur.
The Government have recently expanded powers available to Local Authorities to deal with night noise offences from dwellings under the Noise Act 1996 (i.e. noise from properties arising between 2300 to 0700) to include noise from Licensed Premises. These powers are in addition to our statutory nuisance powers but can only be used where the specified criteria for a night noise offence are met.
For more information about Environmental Protection UK, please visit their website at: www.environmental-protection.org.uk.
