Noise action week 2009

12.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th May 2009

Special roadshows are being held across the county to mark Noise Action Week 2009.

Barking dogs, loud music, hardwood flooring, slamming doors and noisy household appliances can soon turn harmonious neighbourly relations into domestic discord, according to one East Lothian organisation.

During 2008 the East Lothian Community Mediation Service dealt with 137 neighbour disputes, and over half were noise-related. To mark Noise Action Week, the service is joining forces with East Lothian Council's Environmental Protection Service and Antisocial Behaviour teams to hold a series of road shows that will raise awareness of noise issues and how to deal with them.

As well as information and advice on reducing and minimising your own domestic noise or tackling noise that disturbs you, there's also the chance to win a Panasonic Quiet washing machine as part of a national Noise Action Week competition.

Noise Action Week is a national initiative to encourage people to take a responsible action to their domestic noise. Research shows 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.

Lisa Drinnan from East Lothian Community Mediation Service said:

"Noise is a common source of irritation and annoyance between neighbours, which, if not addressed, can escalate into conflict, causing stress, disrupting sleep and affecting the health and wellbeing of those involved. Our role is to help neighbours consider and agree what they can do to alleviate noise disturbance."

East Lothian Council's antisocial behaviour, night-time noise and environmental protection teams are at the forefront of monitoring and dealing with noise disturbance from private properties and commercial or licensed premises. Since the night-time noise team was introduced in September 2008 it has dealt with more than 240 complaints. This has resulted in 49 notices or fixed penalties.

Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Stuart Currie added:

"Often people don't have any idea of the impact that their lifestyle can have on those around them, which is why the roadshows are such a good idea. For example, hardwood flooring may look great but without proper underlay it can be a noisy nightmare for people in lower floors. Similarly, poorly fitted washing machines, badly placed stereo speakers or ill-timed DIY activities can cause problems between neighbours."

"Noise Action Week is a good chance to think of peaceful solutions that will work for everyone."

The roadshows will take place at:

18 May 2009: Musselburgh, Brunton Hall

19 May 2009: North Berwick, Tesco

20 May 2009: Dunbar, ASDA

21 May 2009: Haddington, Tesco

22 May 2009: Musselburgh, Tesco