Ref: PR1769
Date: 07/05/08

Advice and information on tackling noisy neighbour problems from barking dogs to loud music, will be highlighted from May 19-23 as Noise Action Week gets under way in Wakefield.

Last year Wakefield Council's Environmental Health Service received almost 2200 complaints, an average of 42 each week.

Top of the complaints poll was loud music, (864) with upset caused by barking dogs, second,(504), sounding house and car alarms third (130) and noise from pubs and clubs fourth (117).

Noise Action Week is a UK wide campaign to promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems, offering advice on simple measures to prevent and solve problems.

For Noise Action Week everybody is urged to consider, what noise disturbs them what noise they make and the effect is has on others.

There will be advice on informal and formal ways to deal with any problems and where to go for help and details of a series of local events will be announced soon.

Wakefield Council Leader Peter Box said: "Noise nuisance can make life miserable for people if it goes unresolved. We take anti social behaviour very seriously and are committed to supporting swift and effective action to tackle it wherever it arises. During Noise Action Week we want to highlight what help and advice is available and to help cut the number of complaints coming forward. Don't suffer in silence. There are measures you can take both independently and with expert help. We hope as many people as possible with a noise related problem, take the chance to find out more during Noise Action Week."

A council leaflet 'Your Neighbour, Your Choice' gives full details of all these suggested solutions. You can get copies from the Environmental Services team on 0845 8 506 506 or download a copy from the website- see related links.  Alternatively for advice on noise nusiance or to report a noise nuisance online visit our website - www.wakefield.gov.uk/noise - see related links.

Wakefield Council also supports the use of Mediation Yorkshire to help solve neighbour disputes - the service is impartial, confidential and free to Wakefield residents. Contact the service on 01924 520818

Noise Action Week, NAW, is coordinated by Environmental Protection UK. For more information on NAW nationally contact noiseactionweek@environmental protection.org.uk or call 01273 878770 or visit www.noiseactionweek.org.uk.

ENDS