Preston City Council demonstrates commitment to tackling noise complaints

Preston City Council has an ongoing commitment to using the full extent of its powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect residents from disturbances that can impact their quality of life.

Mark Taylor, Interim Director of Environment, Property and Neighbourhood Services at Preston City Council, said:

"Noise nuisance can be very distressing and is one of the most common causes of neighbour disputes. We always encourage residents to speak with their neighbours where possible, but when that fails and a legal notice is ignored, as in this case, enforcement action becomes necessary.

Recently, Preston City Council seized noise equipment from a property in Avenham under powers granted by the Environmental Protection Act 1990, following persistent complaints and repeated warnings.

The Council's Environmental Protection team had received numerous reports of excessive noise and issued multiple warnings to the occupant. Despite being served with a legal abatement notice requiring them to reduce noise levels to prevent disturbance, the warnings were ignored and the nuisance continued.

As a result, Council officers applied for and were granted a warrant to enter the property to abate the ongoing statutory nuisance. With the support of Lancashire Constabulary, the property was entered and equipment capable of producing excessive noise, including stereos and loudspeaker, was seized.

The occupant may apply to have the equipment returned after 28 days, subject to payment of the Council's costs.

Mark Taylor added;

"This operation sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Preston. We urge anyone suffering from persistent or excessive noise to contact our Environmental Protection team for support."

Visit our report a noise nuisance page for more information or to report a noise issue.