Cardiff County Council has put to good use electrical equipment seized following complaints of noise nuisance.
The haul of equipment which includes televisions, hi fi equipment, mixing desks and speakers, has accumulated following 16 seizures and forfeiture orders being made over the last three years.
The Pollution Control division respond to approximately 4,000 complaints about noise every year from a wide range of domestic and commercial sources. The initial response usually involves a visit to the individual(s) alleged to be responsible for the noise to discuss the complaint and to offer advice. In some cases the noise problem continues and at this point legal proceedings are taken. As part of their powers, Pollution Control officers can issue Noise Abatement Notices as well as apply for warrants to seize equipment that is responsible for causing the statutory noise nuisance.
Where seizures of noise equipment are carried out, officers make an application to the Magistrates Court for a forfeiture order for the seized goods, which results in the permanent removal of the equipment. This is a strong message to those who persistently blight the lives of their neighbours with noise or cause serious nuisance to a neighbourhood.
Cardiff Council’s Pollution Control division operates a Night Time Noise Service at peak times of demand, so residents affected by noise can be assured that action will be taken if the nuisance is confirmed. Officers are also available during normal office hours to witness noise and where necessary, take enforcement action.
Councillor Bob Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for the Environment said, “the council responds to cases of noise nuisance across the city and uses a wide variety of powers to address the complaints, which includes seizing items where necessary. Where items are forfeited, they will either be given to charitable organisations to be used responsibly or they will be re-cycled in accordance with the Government’s waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations.”
Councillor Derbyshire continued, “People experiencing problems of undue noise, whether it is a barking dog, loud music or noise from machinery, should not be afraid to contact the Council, so that the matter can be investigated and action taken where necessary.”
Anyone disturbed by noise should contact Cardiff Council Pollution Control on 02920 871650 (24 hour line).
