Loud Music

Radios, TV's, Stereos

•Keep the volume as low as possible, especially late at night. Use headphones (either cord type or infra red which give more freedom of movement), or listen to music on a personal stereo. If you have hearing difficulties Help the Aged Better Hearing leaflet offers some advice.

•When not using headphones, the bass control should be set at a low level as the "bass beat" can be particularly irritating. If you are having a party or barbecue, remember the neighbours - let them know beforehand or better still invite them See 'Parties' below.

•Most people are willing to accept more noise occasionally if they know when the noise will end and they will be able to get some sleep.

Parties

•If you are having a party then your neighbours are far more likely to be understanding if you warn them well in advance that you are having it, (whether you invite them or not) and give them an indication of when it is likely to end.

•On the actual night try and contain the party as much as possible within your home keep guests within the house or flat rather than in the garden and keep windows closed if at all possible.

•Finish the party, or at least turn down the music, when you said you would and ask your guests to be considerate, we receive just as many complaints about guests leaving the premises or being outside as we do from loud music.

•If using fireworks for a celebration, tell neighbours especially if they have pets, and don't let fireworks off after 11pm.

DIY

•Carry out noisier operations during the day keeping the evening for less noisy work.

•Complete the work as quickly as possible - don't let it drag on for months.

•Let your neighbours know beforehand if you are carrying out potentially noisy operations, using power tools or working on party walls or floors. Use hand tools if possible.

Cars and car repairs

•Don't rev the engine excessively.

•Close doors quietly.

•Use the car horn only for emergencies.

•Keep music levels down, keep windows closed. If possible, carry out repair work in a garage.

•Carry out noisy operations during the day and avoid Sundays and bank holidays.

Barking Dogs

•Don't let your dog bark or whine for long periods.

•Keep your dog indoors if it barks constantly when unattended or disturbed.

•If your dog still barks when indoors make arrangements to leave it with a neighbour or friend or get someone to call in - leave its favourite toy or put the radio on at very low volume.

•Move the kennel or erect a fence so that your dog is disturbed less often by passers-by

•Attend a dog training class to retrain your dog and change his / her behaviour or seek advice from your vet or local pet behavoirist.

•Please read the defra guidance leaflet : Is your dog barking too much?

Domestic Disturbance

Being a Considerate Neighbour.

This is generally a matter of common sense and treating your neighbour as you would wish to be treated. There are no specific rules to be followed but here are some guidelines:

•Site fridges, freezers, washing machines and loudspeakers well away from party walls.

•Stand washing machines/spin dryers on a solid floor or place on a carpet/rubber mat to reduce vibration.

•If people live below you fit carpets and underlay.

•Close doors gently, don't slam them.

Alarms

Intruder alarms

•If you have an intruder alarm, it is worthwhile considering asking a neighbour or a nearby friend to keep a key  (and are able to turn the alarm off) and make sure that your other neighbours know who to contact if your alarm misfires, if you are away at work or on holiday. Alternatively you can register a keyholder for your burglar alarm with us, this can be a friend, family member or neighbour we can contact to switch off your alarm if it malfunctions whilst you are out. Please complete the Audible Intruder Alarm Notification to Local Authorities this form is available to complete online or a printable version is also available.

•In the event of an alarm going off continuously and there being no keyholder registered for the building, we would disconnect the alarm by forced entry if necessary and a charge would be incurred by the owner.

•As a safeguard you should fit a 20-minute cut-out to the alarm sounder but you should consult your insurers before doing this.

•The alarm should be regularly maintained by a competent company. Some companies provide a service where they can be contacted to silence the alarm in the event that the alarm mis-fires.

So, how loud are you?