Crackdown over late night noise

Cardiff council has issued advice on how to avoid complaints about noise

Residents in Cardiff complaining of loud parties and other late night disturbances are to be given an anti-noise service until the early hours.

Cardiff Council said it was in response to a 73% rise in noise complaints over the past two years.

Two out-of-hours council officers will be on duty from 1900 BST from Wednesday to Sunday, with the service operating until 0300 BST in peak periods.

They will issue legal notices and in extreme cases will seize equipment.

The council's pollution control team dealt with more than 3,000 enquiries in 2007/08.

It said the most common complaints were about amplified music and barking dogs.

The most recent prosecution occurred on 31 March after officers from the team seized eight guitars, a drum kit and a collection of speakers and amplifiers.

The seizure was carried out after two breaches of a noise abatement notice were witnessed by pollution control officers in December last year.

The offender was fined £750 at Cardiff Magistrates.

Coun Ed Bridges, chair of the public protection committee, said persistent noise offenders would not be tolerated.

If holding parties keep music levels to a minimum and notify neighbours in advance - you might even invite them Will Lane, Cardiff pollution control team

"The council takes action wherever unreasonable disturbance is being caused and officers may confiscate equipment or instigate legal proceedings where necessary," he said.

In the first instance the officers bring the matter to the attention of those concerned before they take it further.

Will Lane from the pollution control team said that simple measures could be taken to prevent problems.

"It is important that householders and businesses consider the noise they make and how they can prevent unnecessary disturbance," he said.

"It is advisable to speak to neighbours when undertaking DIY as people are more likely to be understanding if they are forewarned.

"If holding parties keep music levels to a minimum and notify neighbours in advance - you might even invite them."

Residents can access the out-of-hours noise service by dialling the 101 non-emergency line.