How can I reduce noise at home and be a considerate neighbour? 

According to research, about half of people in England hear noise from their neighbours. For about one in five households, noise can be a problem and around half of those who hear noise are annoyed by it.  With the spread of the 24 hour society and many of us having different working, waking and sleeping patterns to our neighbours there is potential for things to get worse.

However, there are many simple, practical solutions to everyday noise at home, that can reduce the disturbance we cause to our neighbours - and the rest of our household.  For more detailed information go to the Defra website Quieter Homes  

What can I do at home?

Although the amount of noise made by any one person or household may seem negligible, it can make a real difference to the comfort of neighbours and even other members of the household. The following simple measures can be taken:

• Site noisy household equipment (eg washing machines) away from party walls. 
• When buying a new household appliance, ask how noisy it is. If people opt for quiet appliances, manufacturers will make them! 
• Perform noisy DIY jobs during normal waking hours. We would recommend completing noisy DIY between 9am and 9pm, especially involving hammers and drilling. 
• Let your neighbours know about DIY or parties in advance, if people are expecting some noise they are much less likely to complain. 
• Keep the volume of TV, radio and music as low as possible, especially late at night. If you want to turn the volume up, use headphones (but be careful not to deafen yourself!). 
• If your dog barks when left alone, leave the radio on at a quiet volume on a talk station.   
• If you have an old or faulty burglar alarm, replace it with one complying with British Standard BS 4737. Notify us that you have an alarm and register your key holders on our secure database.  See below. 

Keep your burglar alarm in good order

A common source of complaint is burglar alarms that sound for no apparent reason and then keep sounding.  Make sure your alarm is kept in good working order and has a 20 minute cut out device fitted.  Print off and complete this keyholder form How_sound_is_your_alarm.pdf and send it to Environmental Protection so if we get a complaint about your alarm, we can contact a keyholder to switch it off if you are away.  All details are held on a secure database and are not used for any other purpose.

If we get a complaint about an alarm that is sounding continuously and it appears the householders are away, we can apply to the Magistrates Court for a Warrant, break into the property and disable the alarm.  This is only done in extreme circumstances after we have exhausted all other avenues to find a keyholder.  Alarms were disconnected externally on seven occasions and by forced entry under Warrant on one occasion across Warrington in 2007. We then issue an invoice to the householder to cover the costs incurred which can run into hundreds of pounds.

Reducing vehicle noise 

To minimise noise the following measures should be taken: 

• avoid slamming car doors 
• do not rev the engine unnecessarily 
• use the horn only in an emergency 
• keep the windows closed if you like music in the car 
• carry out noisy repairs during the day 
• keep the silencer in good order 
• service the vehicle regularly for quietness and economy 
• check the brakes are properly adjusted and do not squeal.