In Nottingham, City Council enforcement teams have merged under the one service ‘Community Protection’. Senior Community Protection Officer Wayne Hobbs manages a team of 10 Community Protection Officers and there are similar functions across the entire conurbation - in all a 100 strong team covering the City. He gives us an insight into the work of these officers in keeping these communities peaceful - especially where there is a high density of lively students. My […]

With spring bank holidays ahead many of us are planning DIY jobs to refurbish or refresh our homes. This work is often noisy when underway. Also, the way we design and decorate our homes can have a big impact on how noisy our homes are and how they impact on our neighbours. Noise from neighbours can drive us mad – but noise within our own homes can also be a problem. Many people work or […]

People of all ages can find it difficult to communicate in restaurants, cafés and pubs where background noise can reach very high levels - whether it be music or the general clatter caused by the acoustics of the space. Luke Dixon, campaigner at Action on Hearing Loss, outlines the problem and calls on managers of spaces made for socialising to make sure noise levels make them fit for social interaction. For many of us, dining […]

When planning outdoor events in the summer its crucial to consider noise - to protect health of workers and keep the peace with neighbours. Here are some tips on avoiding noise problems from professional event planners. Summer is fast approaching and the outdoor events season is gearing up. If you’re involved in planning an event, it’s crucial to ensure noise isn’t so loud that it’s a potential threat to the hearing of those working at […]

Following a short discusion last week the House of Lords agreed to endorse the extension of pub opening hours for two hours beyond 11pm, for the Queen’s official birthday of June 10th and 11th. The view was presented that this would save the time and expense of pubs wishing to mark the occassion applying for Temporary Event Notices to extend their hours. This debate has been seen before - when extended licensing was approved for […]

It’s that time of year when students of all ages need quiet time as they knuckle down to study for exams. A survey earlier this year found that noise from housemates causes annoyance for flats sharers – which may be a surprise to families and working people living in neighbourhoods where late night noise from shared student accommodation often keeps them awake! We should all be able to have fun - but late night loud […]

Now is the time for getting to grips with the garden. Pottering in the garden can be peaceful, but power tools used for mowing, blowing and chopping can blight your whole neighbourhood with noise. Whether you have a small city space, a suburban garden or an allotment, if you’re pulling out the power tools ready for a session this week, remember gardens don’t have walls and your neighbours will hear what you’re doing. While power […]

With the night time economy seen as the saviour of many cities – would Night Mayors bring harmony between the sleepless and those wanting to sleep? With the late night bars, buses, kebab shops and clubs that keep our cities lively we also get noise. How can the sleep rneeds of workers (maybe the cleaners and street sweepers who rise as the revellers head to bed) be reconciled with the lifestyles of 24 hour party […]

A survey of noise complaints to local councils was recently undertaken by Noisenuisance.org. the website is maintained by a few qualified and experienced environmental health professionals who volunteer in their spare time to help noise sufferers. Micheal Eade looks at the findings. Noisenuisance.org recently published some of the findings into a survey undertaken in 2014 into local authority noise complaints. The study prompted an 88% response rate from local authorities and provides a comprehensive insight […]

Community Safety Officer at Peabody housing, Mel Serghides, explains why London’s oldest provider of social housing is supporting Noise Action Week, why they take noise seriously and how Peabody tackles noise as part of its work to build thriving communities. We all hear noise from neighbours from time to time – it’s part of everyday life and keeps our neighbourhoods vibrant. However, too much noise in the wrong place at the wrong time can cause […]