ASB Awareness Week: Why tackling noise matters
A blog from Chelsie, Community Safety Manager
This week is ASB Awareness Week, a national campaign that raises awareness of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the difference we can all make in creating safer, happier communities.
As Community Safety Manager, I see first-hand the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on people’s lives. While every case is different, one of the most common concerns we hear about is noise nuisance.
Home should be somewhere you can relax, switch off and feel safe. When persistent noise disrupts your sleep, affects your wellbeing or causes tension with neighbours, it can make everyday life much more difficult.
Of course, some noise is simply part of living in a community. Children play, people move around their homes, and we all have visitors from time to time. But when noise becomes excessive, happens regularly or continues late into the night, it can become anti-social behaviour.
Some examples include:
- Loud music or televisions late at night
- Frequent shouting or arguments
- DIY or drilling during unsociable hours
- Regular parties that disturb neighbours
- Ongoing noise from pets, alarms or machinery.
One thing I’d encourage is trying to resolve minor issues early, if you feel comfortable doing so. Often, neighbours aren’t aware that the noise they’re making is affecting someone else, and a friendly conversation can make all the difference.
If that isn’t possible, or the problem continues, please don’t suffer in silence. Our teams are here to listen and support you.
When you report noise nuisance to us, we’ll take the time to understand what’s happening and look at the most appropriate way to resolve the issue. That might involve speaking with those involved, encouraging early resolution, arranging mediation or Good Neighbour Agreements, working with Environmental Health, or investigating more serious or persistent cases where tenancy conditions may have been breached.
Every situation is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Our aim is always to find a fair and lasting solution while supporting everyone involved.
If you’re experiencing ongoing noise nuisance, it’s really helpful if you can tell us when it’s happening, how often it occurs and how it’s affecting you. The more information you can provide, the better we can understand the situation and decide what action is needed.
If you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can complete our online form or call us on 0330 343 0016. We’re here to help.
