Noisy neighbours top anti-social behaviour list

In a recent survey more than a fifth of local people said noisy neighbours were seriously affecting their lives.

But only a handful had actually considered complaining because they didn’t want to cause any trouble.

However help could be the way after the council unveiled plans to try to reduce noise nuisance in the town.

The first step could be the extension of a new out-of-hours service where officers answer calls about noise between 6pm and 1.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

The service has been operating on a trial basis since April and has been successful in dealing with complaints.

Council bosses are now considering making the service permanent and it will spearhead a number of other measures being considered by the council to reduce noise problems.

A report being considered by councillors says: “Noise incidents account for the greatest number of anti-social behaviour complaints made to the council and 2010 Rotherham Ltd, the council’s ALMO.

“The major concern among the people consulted is domestic noise. This is viewed as the key area to address in order for the new strategy to be successful.”

The council says targeting noise nuisance is the latest in a number of measures it has taken to reduce anti-social behaviour. Others have included tackling fly-tipping and rubbish dumping, and encouraging tenants to ‘respect’ their neighbours more .