How to be a better (quieter) neighbour

Although we must all expect to hear our neighbours from time to time there are many things we can all do to ensure we cause as little disturbance as possible. We can all be better neighbours by following these simple measures:

• If you have to do some noisy DIY jobs warn your neighbours beforehand and try to do them during normal waking hours;
• Keep the volume of your TV, radio and music as low as possible, especially late at night. If you want to turn the volume up, use headphones (but be careful not to deafen yourself!);
• If your dog barks when left alone, arrange to leave it with a friend. You may also wish to follow the advice in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) leaflet "Is your dog barking too much? (PDF 70Kb)"  ;
• If you have a party, tell your neighbours in advance, and keep the noise to a minimum;
• If using fireworks for a celebration, tell neighbours especially if they have pets, and don't let fireworks off after 11.00 pm (or 1.00am at New Year, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Bonfire Night);
• If you have an old or faulty burglar alarm, replace it with one complying with British Standard BS 4737. You should also notify us that you have an alarm and register a key holder who can be contacted if the alarm misfires.

Minimise noise made by your car or motorbike by:  

• not revving the engine unnecessarily
• using the horn only in an emergency
• keeping the silencer in good order
• service the vehicle regularly for quietness and economy
• reduce the volume of in car entertainment