We don’t expect a quiet time’

ENVIRONMENTAL health officers in East Cambs are gearing up for a sharp increase in complaints about noisy neighbours over the summer months.

Officers from East Cambridgeshire District Council were at Ely Market last Thursday (25) in a bid to persuade the growing population in the district to keep the noise down.

Environmental health officer Julia Atkins said: "There is no doubt our capacity for making noise has become much greater.

"With so many people now living here and also living much closer together, and with the popularity of garden barbecues, parties and music, plus an increase in more neighbours with incompatible lifestyles, and with people's expectations of a quiet life out here in the East Cambridgeshire countryside, it all adds up to a recipe for spiralling discord and discontent."

She said the prospect of a hot summer will undoubtedly result in more complaints, and that the council's message is to give more consideration to those living around them.

She also added these ten tips on how to be a non-noisy neighbour.

# Keep music, particularly bass levels, down.

# Don't play loud music late at night - background noise levels are lower in the evening and so music will sound louder to those around you.

# Speakers should be put on stands to prevent noise being amplified through the building.

# Use headphones when you can, so as not to affect anyone else.

# It you are having a party, speak to your neighbours first and give them a rough idea of how long it will go on.

# Keep doors and windows closed to help reduce disturbance to neighbours.

# Be considerate about when you use washing machines, tumble dryers and vacuum cleaners.

# Noisy DIY work should only be carried out during daytime.

# Barking dogs can cause a nuisance, but barking can be reduced with regular walks.

# Be considerate.