Blaby District Council is taking part in Noise Action Week to raise awareness of the impacts of noise.

During the week residents can find out about simple, cheap measures that everyone can use to prevent noise problems, and services to tackle more serious noise issues.  Noise in the wrong place at the wrong time that affects the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. Noise is a common cause of neighbour disputes, and can impact our health and well being.

From Monday 20th to Friday 24th May, the District Council will be:
• Highlighting its joint working with Three Oaks Homes (the housing association with the largest number of properties in the district) in tackling neighbour noise
• Arranging for a free drop-in session at the Joint Service Shop in Blaby to give advice on neighbour noise problems
• Having a display in the reception of the Council’s Narborough offices with advice on neighbour noise problems

A recent estate agency survey found that 57% of homebuyers are put off by noisy neighbours. Research by Environmental Protection UK has shown that two fifths of the population say noise affects their quality of life and in 2008 around half a million people (1%) said they had moved home because of noisy neighbours.

This was more a problem in the private rented sector, where 4% said they had moved because of noisy neighbours.

Councillor Guy Jackson, Neighbourhood and Environmental Health Services Portfolio Holder at Blaby District Council, said:

“Noise can cause disruption and distress to everyone – at home, at leisure, at work and at study.

“Noise Action Week not only raises awareness on how it can affect residents, but also ways in which to deal with it. I think this will be really beneficial for many in the district.”

For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk/noisepollution , email env.health@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7555.