Noisy neighbours can cause health problems and it's getting worse, according to council officials. Apart from hearing loss, excessive noise can also contribute towards elevated blood pressure, stress and depression.

These are the findings from Stratford District Council, which last year received 810 complaints about noise, compared to 713 the previous year. The District Council already provides advice on how to reduce noise nuisance, and is now looking at ways to help neighbours resolve problems, such as with a mediation service.

"Perhaps people are becoming more sensitive to noise, which is why we are getting more complaints," says Nancy Singleton, the District Council's health promotion officer.

"We all have different levels of tolerance where noise is concerned - what is music to your ears may well be extremely irritating to your neighbour. However, when dealing with complaints we often find that there is an on-going dispute between neighbours which sparks off the complaint.

"We want to try and promote the idea of good relationships, which is for neighbours to actually talk to each other.

"In a bid to tackle the problem, the council is now looking into the possibility of offering a mediation service, where an independent third party can act as a go-between and try and sort out differences."

The District Council also produces a number of leaflets on noise issues, which offer advice on areas such as alarms, televisions and radios, domestic appliances, household repairs or improvements, cars, dogs, and musical instruments.

Anyone requiring further information on noise issues should contact the Council's Environmental Health & Housing Department for free, impartial and confidential advice on 01789 260814.

MORE INFORMATION:
Beverley Thomson, Press Officer  01789 260105
Nancy Singleton, Health Promotion Officer  01789 260803
   

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This page modified on 10 November 2008 09:49:15AM