How to be a Good Neighbour

NOISE ANNOYS

If only we all liked the same sounds - and at the same time - life would be so much simpler. But we don't. When it comes to the everyday sounds of a busy neighbourhood, we have different lifestyles, different tastes and different tolerances.

What's music to your ears could well be 'that awful row' to your neighbour; nocturnal vacuuming may suit your lifestyles, but it's giving the person in the flat below sleepless nights; and your dog barking after you've left for work is slowly driving the young mother next door crazy.

If you can hear the stereo being played upstairs, chances are your neighbour can hear it too. Some noise is unavoidable - but there are simple ways to avoid disturbing others and positive steps you can take if you're fed up suffering in silence.

WHY NOISE IS A PROBLEM?

Repetitive noise, day-in day-out, can lead to stress and make life miserable, especially for the housebound and those with health problems.

There is evidence that people are becoming more concerned about noise. There are a number of possible reasons for this. People have different sensitivities and expectations. While many of us have more time to pursue varied leisure interests, we don't always stop to think about what impact out activities are having on others.

But remember that the problem isn't always one of inconsiderate behaviour. Even homes that have reasonably good sound insulation may not cope with powerful modern stereos and other mod cons that can make life comfortable for us, but uncomfortably noisy for others.

We all make noise but awareness is the key to making sure your noise is not the problem for others.

HOW TO BE A CONSIDERATE NEIGHBOUR (Six tips for keeping the peace)

Stereo and TV: Think about the volume or use headphones. Pull the TV and speakers away from your neighbours' walls. Raise them from the floor if possible.

Household chores: Consider not mowing the lawn or starting the DIY at the crack of dawn. You may be an early riser, but others could be trying to get some rest. Night birds should equally think about doing their vacuuming or washing at less 'anti-social' hours.

Parties: If you're planning a party, your neighbours are likely to much more understanding if you warn them well in advance - you might even invite them. Either way, Don't ruin their evening - and encourage guests to be equally respectful.

Dogs: Dogs may bark because they are lonely. Constant barking or whining can be disturbing to your neighbours. A well trained dog will not bark unnecessarily.

Cars: Don't play your car stereo to the world at large. Make sure your music isn't disturbing others, especially when you're parked or waiting for someone. Make sure your car alarm works properly.

Alarms: Make sure a keyholder can be contacted if your house alarm goes off while you're away. See that it's regularly maintained to ensure that it doesn't go off accidentally.

ANYTHING FOR A QUIET LIFE. (What do you do if you have a problem with noise)

That terrible music has been going on all night, what do you do? Rather than suffering in silence or buying ear plugs, why not:

• Try talking to your neighbours. A radical idea perhaps, but people are often very happy to reduce the noise once they realise it's causing others a problem. If that doesn't work and the noise is persistent, there may be a mediation service in your area which will listen to both sides and help sort out your differences without having to go to court.
• More formally, complain to the council's environmental health department who have powers to deal with all types of domestic noise - their phone number can be found in your local telephone directory.

Take your own action through the courts. If you are thinking of this, further advice is in the Department of the Environment's leaflet 'Bothered by noise? here's no need to suffer.'

FOR FURTHER HELP AND INFORMATION.

Information on UK Policy and Research can be found at: 

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Noise

Details of local mediation services can be obtained from:

Mediation Northern Ireland
www.mediationnorthernireland.org

General information on dealing with noise can be obtained from:

The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NSCA),
www.nsca.org.uk

The Noise Abatement Society
www.noiseabatementsociety.com

Advice on sound insulation is available from:

Building Research Establishment
www.bre.co.uk

Detailed information on the controls over all sorts of noise - including air and road traffic - can be found in booklet, 'Bothered by noise? There's no need to suffer'. This is available free of charge from:

Air & Environment Quality Unit,
Environment & Heritage Service,
Department of the Environment,
Commonwealth House,
35 Castle St,
Belfast,
BT1 1GU
Tel: 028 9054 6425
Fax:028 9054 6424

Some district councils produce their own leaflets on noise.