While it is true that one person’s din is another’s symphony, it is also clear that too many people in Bradford are being subjected to unwarranted and unacceptable levels of noise pollution in their own homes.
New Council figures show complaints have risen nine per cent in the last year – and that seven people a day feel strongly enough to make official complaints about level of noise.
Noise from factories and rowing neighbours are among the main causes, but other issues include licensed premises, alarms, barking dogs and construction work.
Social landlord Incommunities is bringing in new measures to tackle its tenants who cause disruption through din, and the Council has pledged to prosecute wherever it has strong evidence of persistent nuisance noise.
Both are actions that should be welcomed, as no one should have to put up with some of the levels of noise that are leading to complaints.
But, ultimately, it comes down to consideration of your neighbours, whether you are a business, a family, a factory or a builder. Some activities necessitate noise, and families do have a certain level of unavoidable sound.
But a certain level of consideration will go a long way to help alleviate these problems. Avoid working at unsocial hours. Reduce the volume of your music or television. Think about the impact sound is having on others.
There are hefty fines open to the courts for businesses that offend, and private individuals might end up with sound systems or televisions confiscated.
A simple show of courtesy to those around you – a bit of common sense and a lot of respect for others – can avoid these situations ever happening and reduce this ever-growing level of frustration at noise pollution.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article