main content Crying out the message to keep the noise down

A town crier teamed up with the Council’s Environmental Health Officers to ‘shout’ the message to shoppers that noise can be intrusive. The action as part of Noise Action Week in town centres across the borough comes as the summer months approach and noise complaint levels rise.

"Excessive noise can be intrusive and irritating and residents can call the Council if they are suffering from noise like loud music, barking dogs or car alarms. I would remind residents that we operate an emergency service and we are literally 24 hours a day. Especially in the summer months though, when windows are open, all sorts of noise becomes more intrusive and we all need to ensure that we are doing our bit not to cause excessive noise" said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

Approximately 4000 noise complaints are investigated by the Council’s Environmental Health team each year. Once loud music has been assessed by staff, an Environmental Protection Act abatement notice can be served on property. Breaching this notice can result in prosecution and maximum fine of £5,000 for residents and £20,000 for business premises.

Offenders also risk ALL of their noise making equipment being seized - this includes televisions, stereos, musical instruments and even cd's. Recently six dogs were seized from a premises where the owner had left them unattended and barking all day. The action was taken after the owner failed to appear in court.

The team works closely with Police, housing associations and the mediation service. Noise complaints can be reported by calling 020 8313 4830 or 020 8464 4848 out of office hours.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670, or Chris Spellman, Environmental Health Officer on 020 8461 7908 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.