Clamping down on neighbour nuisance

Clamping down on neighbourhood nuisance.

Communities across St.Helens are being urged to treat their neighbours with respect as the nights get lighter and warmer.

With neighbourhood noise and nuisance complaints rising dramatically at this time of year, Merseyside Police will be stepping up high visibility policing patrols as part of the multi-agency SpringWatch campaign.

But they are also asking residents to support the campaign action by helping to reduce the impact of noise nuisance on local communities.

Here are some top-tips to help you - and your neighbours - enjoy a peaceful spring:

• Always respect your neighbours and their property.
• Treat others how you want to be treated.
• Listen to your neighbours if they complain about you
• Keep music, stereo and TV volume down - your neighbours should not be able to hear them if they are at an acceptable level.
• If you are planning a barbecue or 'get together' with friends, inform your neighbours of your plans - and keep the noise to an acceptable level.
• Don't drink on the street and please report any underage drinking to the police.
• Ensure you carry out household chores such as vacuuming, washing and mowing the lawn at reasonable hours of the day.
• Chat to your children about the impact their playing habits might have on neighbours. Playing football in the street can result in damage to property and stress to neighbours if it impacts on their home or garden. There are lots of alternative activities available to keep young people entertained this spring visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/yaz

Colette McIntyre, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager at St.Helens Council said: "We all make noise  but awareness is the key to making sure your noise is not a problem for others.

"If you're being disturbed by noise from a neighbour, approach them and explain politely that you're being troubled by noise. You may find this difficult - but often people are unaware that they are causing a problem. Most will be glad to do what they can to reduce noise. However approach the matter carefully if you think your neighbour might react angrily to a complaint."

 

Spring also means spring cleaning. And local communities are being asked to come up with suggestions for areas for street clean-ups - carried out as part of the Community Payback project.

Community Payback is a punishment handed out to offenders by the court to work on unpaid projects that benefit the community. Projects can range from litter removal to repairing and decorating community centres or removing graffiti.

Anyone can nominate a project as long as it:

• Benefits the community
• Does not take paid work away from others
• Does not make profit for anyone
• Is challenging and demanding
• Is worthwhile and constructive
• Puts something back into the community.

To arrange a grot spot spring clean up in your community contact St. Helens Council Contact Centre on 01744 676789.

For more information about Community Payback or to nominate other projects visit www.merseysideprobationtrust.co.uk or call 0151 324 0692.