An Englisman – and woman’s – home is said to be their castle, and that should be true in the most abstract sense even if we don’t have turrets, a moat and a drawbridge; home is the place where we should be able to go for safety, security and peace.

But that’s not always the case, especially with the peace and quiet. Anyone who has had to put up with noisy neighbours will know that this is something that can truly ruin your life.

Shouting, loud music, DIY work and barking dogs all contribute to breaking the fragile peace that exists when people live closely together, in streets or in even closer proximity in flats and apartments.

Bradford’s social housing landlord Incommunities is now aiming to cut down on the problem after receiving almost 500 complaints from tenants about disturbances from their neighbours over the past year.

The Council Environmental Health team has a raft of hi-tech methods of measuring noise and has the power to seize music equipment or other noisy gear through enforcement orders.

It shouldn’t really have to come to that though. We all have a right to peace and quiet when we need it, and it takes nothing more than a little thought on behalf of neighbours to ensure that the disturbance is kept to a minimum.

It’s just a matter of consideration for others, and being treated as we would like to be treated ourselves. Unfortunately, though, there will always be those individuals who care nothing for the thoughts and feelings of other people.

Those inconsiderate types should be warned that noise enforcement isn’t merely a slap on the wrist – it can come with a fine of up to £5,000.