Thousands of pounds worth of televisions, stereos, computer games consoles, speakers, games and music has been seized from nightmare noisy neighbours.
Noise nuisance, especially loud music, can have a negative impact on the quality of life of others, which is why it remains a priority issue for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Environmental Health Officers.
They have investigated almost 1,000 complaints from residents across the county borough in the last year about noise nuisance, especially loud music, banging doors and arguments between occupants.
As a result of these investigations, they have issued abatement notices on noise nuisances and, in the worst, cases, taken offenders to court where they have been fined and had their noise-making appliances seized and forfeited.
One of the worst cases in noise nuisance in the last year resulted in two sisters from Glancycnon Terrace, Aberdare, being evicted from their privately-rented home due to the unacceptable levels
Further prosecutions are pending against those who failed to heed warnings to turn the volume down, so had their equipment seized and will now appear in court to be dealt with.
Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Communities, recently visited the secure storage where such seized items are taken, pictured, before being donated to charity where they are given to less-fortunate residents to use.
He inspected the rows of shelves containing stereos, televisions, speakers, amplifiers, satellite television boxes, games consoles, games, videos, DVDs and more.
He said: “Visiting an area such as this brings home just how much legal might Environmental Health Officers and the Council have to deal with those who affect the quality of life of others with their selfish behaviour.
“All of this equipment was seized from residents who received warnings to stop the noise, but chose to ignore them. As a result, their homes were searched, their belongings were seized and have since been forfeited by the courts.
“There are thousands of pounds worth of equipment being stored and the offenders will never get it back. This will, instead, be donated to charity for use by those who can be trusted to act responsibly and considerately.
“I hope these cases serve as a warning to noise nuisances that we do have considerable powers to deal with them. I also hope it reassures the community that we do take their concerns very seriously and will work to act on their behalf and do what we can to improve their quality of life.”
