Neighbour Problems

Princess_Jane

zoeleigh wrote: »

I have neighbours who really do make noise, I'm talking about having my whole family up and sitting in the living room at 5am because we've all been woken up.

I called the police who told me they can't get involved as they have no powers, if they called at the neighbours they would be within their rights to tell the police to go away and they would have to! (This might not be the same for your area though so don't try it!).

We also don't have an out of hours noise dept.

Surely they would have to prove that you were making noise?? Keeping diary sheets isn't proving anything, they could make what they like up.

That's why I found it odd that the police came out, especially at 4.30pm. It's great that complaints are being followed up, don't we complain enough when they don't, but I thought it would be a council matter, esp during office hours.

My OH asked the council what checks were in place to prevent malicious allegations, and basically the complainant could write whatever they liked in the noise diary, but installing noise meters would be the proof of the pudding.

We are also keeping a diary of when we do DIY and when complaints are being made.

Zoetoes

It would be a good idea to write down dates and times of when everyone is out and where so that if an allegation is made of loud hammering etc etc on Saturday 18th October at 11.45pm, you can check in your diary and see that you were on a night out.

Or times of going to bed etc

FairyElephant_2

I know it's a pain, but I agree with Zoe - keep a diary so you know exactly where you were & what you were doing, then it will be your word against theirs, but I would also follow up in the police visit if you feel you were not treated politely and fairly.

I am amazed TBH that your neighbours have got this kind of response to such a complaint.

Where I used to live we had a nightmare from neighbours having loud drunken (and we're pretty sure drug-fuelled) parties and screaming rows at all hours. Our other neighbour was pregnant at the time and really distressed about it. They and we all complained and were all told 'keep a diary' of it - but nothing was done. We couldn't even get the police to come out, even though they knew the house was occupied by a previously convicted drug-dealer! I was so glad to move.....

Now we have a problem every summer from local youths riding very loud 'dirt-bikes' up and down our lane at the back of our house. It really upsets our elderly neigbours too, but though we've tried 3 years following we can't get the police or the council to take any notice - it is really maddening!

I do wonder if your neighbours have some 'connections' somewhere that they can get their complaint taken so seriously...

Princess_Jane

We've already made a start with the diary - it's a great idea, thanks.

Basically we both work pretty much seven days a week, between eight and 14hours a day, and my partner is out Fri, Sat, Sun from teatime to 5/6am.

This can all be proved as he's a taxi driver and has to 'log-in' to work.

I always have a notebook on me, so at least for the next two weeks our every move can be jotted down, so we have our own diaries to produce.

Nicki

Is it possible that they are hearing noise at this time of night but its coming from a different neighbour and they've just made a mistake? Given that up and until now, you've had a good (you thought) relationship with them, couldn't you just nip round and say you aren't actually doing any DIY and aren't even awake at these times, so it must be someone else disturbing them. It won't help if they are mad or deliberately making this up for an ulterior reason but if its a simple mistake it will make your life a lot easier.

fluffyb

There is a really superb forum devoted to problem neighbours. It has over 20,000 members and has lots of info,help and advice, plus lots of support from other members who know just what you are going through - www.nfh.org.uk

I can really recommend it as a place to get great help and support with neighbour problems

AnnieM_3

Nicki wrote: »

Is it possible that they are hearing noise at this time of night but its coming from a different neighbour and they've just made a mistake? Given that up and until now, you've had a good (you thought) relationship with them, couldn't you just nip round and say you aren't actually doing any DIY and aren't even awake at these times, so it must be someone else disturbing them. It won't help if they are mad or deliberately making this up for an ulterior reason but if its a simple mistake it will make your life a lot easier.

I agree - go and talk to them, explaining you had this visit from the police that was quite upsetting as the officer was a bit agressive and you're not sure why they came to see you (as it definitely wasn't you making any noise - I'm guessing your OH hasn't even heard any noise either?). Maybe they had a visit from the police too? Perhaps someone else entirely made the complaint - you don't know for sure it was them, do you?

Although...

If they are being loony, they could make up something about you threatening them - maybe you would be better writing them a letter, and sending a copy to the council and police to cover yourselves?

Princess_Jane

Some good ideas there, thanks guys.

We are doing DIY, just not at the hours stated, so maybe they are hearing noise at night, but not from us.

It is so quiet here though, not like when we lived in the urban sprawl - car alarms, fighting, street parties. DIY noise would have been the least of our worries there!

Me and my fella were talking about it and we were wondering if more has been said to the police than "The TV's too loud". It would explain the heavy-handed response and the police arriving 20min after my OH switched the TV on.

Oh well, we could wonder forever I guess. I'll suggest the letter idea to my fella.

Oldernotwiser

Just suggesting the obvious: is your TV too loud? If you're used to living in a noisy area you may have got used to having the volume up more than is normal where you live now. Could you get an opinion from a friend with local values?

Princess_Jane

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Just suggesting the obvious: is your TV too loud? If you're used to living in a noisy area you may have got used to having the volume up more than is normal where you live now. Could you get an opinion from a friend with local values?

When the police called they didn't ask my OH to turn it down, and that is the volume it would usually be at. He left it on while the officers were there to demonstrate the noise levels BTW, he wasn't being obnoxious.