Spike in complaints about noisy neighbours during lockdown in Northumberland

We are all looking for ways to usefully fill our time, and while the weather improves, many people are tackling the garden or DIY jobs that have been on a ‘to do’ list for a long time.

Northumberland County Council is asking that we are considerate to our neighbours at this time as a number of complaints about noise and other anti-social behaviour have been coming in.

John Riddle, cabinet member with responsibility for public protection said: “To say these are unusual times would be understatement, and life as we know it feels like a distant memory.

“As everyone is following Government advice to stay at home, noise levels are increasing. We’ve now started to see a spike in complaints coming in from residents who are affected by the actions of their neighbours, including unreasonable and excessive noise particularly at unsociable times.

“Life is challenging at the moment, we understand that. But it’s really important that we all remain reasonable, considerate and mindful of our neighbours at this time. Let’s not make life harder than it needs to be.”

Things to consider:

TV and music - think about the volume. If you can hear it from upstairs, the chances are your neighbour can hear it too. Try and use headphones or just turn the volume down. Be especially considerate early in the morning or late at night.

DIY and household - try not to undertake any noisy work such as vacuuming, hammering or cutting the lawn very early in the morning or late at night.

Bonfires - the council discourage anyone from lighting them. Please use your household and recycling bins as much as possible, and consider composting garden waste if you are not already signed up to the council’s garden waste collection service.

Residents are advised to call Northumbria Police on 101 to report any issues.

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