0:00:03 > 0:00:06'All over the UK, millions of people just like you and me
0:00:06 > 0:00:11'are being driven up the wall by anti-social nuisance noise.'
0:00:11 > 0:00:14At times, you almost feel like you are going mad.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19It's making me feel I don't seem to have much right as a human being.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23'Persistent parties...
0:00:23 > 0:00:26'aggravating alarms...
0:00:26 > 0:00:27'and banging builders.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34'They're keeping us awake, disturbing our peace and quiet,
0:00:34 > 0:00:35'and driving us to despair.'
0:00:35 > 0:00:39It really is stressful and irritating.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's just a nightmare.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43'But the fight back is on.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:47You need to speak to us. We're getting complaints from your neighbours about the noise.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53'Across the country, dedicated enforcement teams are getting to grips with nuisance noise, 24/7.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:56People have a misconception that they can make noise during the day.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00People don't feel that they can go and speak to their neighbours.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'Enough is enough. It's time to put an end to nuisance noise.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:08If they decide to stick two fingers up at the council and carry on,
0:01:08 > 0:01:10well, then we'll throw the book at them.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13'It's time to meet the no-nonsense Noise Squad.'
0:01:27 > 0:01:29'Coming up today on Noise Squad.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33'Tensions rise when officers go on busker patrol.'
0:01:33 > 0:01:38I'm causing no nuisance. You're being a pain in the backside. You're not listening to reasoning.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41'The team gatecrash a noisy birthday party
0:01:41 > 0:01:43'and lay down the law of the land.'
0:01:43 > 0:01:46We've had two other complaints from two other flats, right?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49You're going to have to just knock the tunes on the head.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54'And there's a visit to investigate someone who's allegedly running a joinery business from his garage.'
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The complaint that I've received is about you doing some sort of woodwork.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11'For visitors to big cities, scenes like this
0:02:11 > 0:02:15'and sounds like this
0:02:15 > 0:02:18'can be an entertaining way to spend five or ten minutes
0:02:18 > 0:02:21'whilst you're doing some sightseeing.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25'But for those who live and work in major cities,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29'the noise produced by buskers isn't always so welcome.'
0:02:29 > 0:02:32It's very annoying, to be honest. Very, very annoying.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Busking isn't so bad if they're not there for so long.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37And if the music's OK it's not too bad,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39but it can become a distraction after a while.
0:02:39 > 0:02:46'Busking isn't illegal in London, and in Westminster, buskers don't need a licence to perform,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49'except in Covent Garden and the Underground.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52'If they're making a bit of a racket, though, the council's noise squad
0:02:52 > 0:02:54'have the powers to step in at any time of day.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00'Today, Steve Pennington, who's worked for the council for six years,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03'is heading out on proactive patrol.'
0:03:03 > 0:03:09We're just off to Leicester Square to meet up with the police and some wardens
0:03:09 > 0:03:15and have a walk round and just check for noisy buskers.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19'Steve's heading out to check on buskers who've been spoken to in the past.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Quite a number were warned about a month ago
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and were issued with notices, with warnings.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30We're not that draconian that it's an immediate offence, they do get a proper warning first,
0:03:30 > 0:03:35and, obviously, if they decide to stick two fingers up at the council and carry on,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37well, then we'll throw the book at them.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41'Although he's out on a proactive patrol to check on buskers who've been warned in the past,
0:03:41 > 0:03:46'a complaint has come in and Steve has to deal with it.'
0:03:46 > 0:03:52I'm just heading down to Villiers Street where a report of a busker's come in, disturbing some offices.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55And it's still office time, still before five o'clock,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59so we'll have a look down and see what we can see.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'As Steve arrives, he doesn't need any help finding the melody makers.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07MUSIC: "Help!" by The Beatles
0:04:07 > 0:04:09'They're bashing out Beatles songs.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14'They certainly look the part, and they're not bad, are they?'
0:04:14 > 0:04:18# Won't you please, please help me...? #
0:04:18 > 0:04:23'The microphones and speakers mean that the tunes they're trotting out will be louder than usual,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27'and that could be causing a nuisance for people working nearby.'
0:04:27 > 0:04:31I'll do a quick assessment from the offices to make sure that it is a nuisance
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and we'll take it from there.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37'Steve heads upstairs to speak to someone in the office who's complained.'
0:04:37 > 0:04:41My colleague next door opens one for ventilation,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and as you can see there's two sort of things, so when he opens it, it's even louder.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Of course, they've stopped singing now.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Have they? They're still playing.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Yeah. They'll start building up, I mean, cos they do a mixture
0:04:54 > 0:04:58of The Beatles, Oasis, the Monkees, and it depends...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00SHE LAUGHS
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- ..which tunes you get. - Oh, wow. Yeah, I see.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05'This lady might be a bit camera shy, but she's seriously fed up.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08'Steve, though, has to be even handed,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12'and will only take action if he thinks there's a nuisance being caused.'
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So, if it was, you know, once in a blue moon,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17it wouldn't be such an issue.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But because... I mean, I think this is the third time they've come this week.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- We all have to concentrate and it is distracting.- Absolutely.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26And they are being quiet now, but...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I can't hear it at all, actually. My luck.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32No, but that's because they're being quiet.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35'From this office, there doesn't seem to be a problem.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39'Steve goes through to a colleague's room who has the window open.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42'The tunes that he hears might be fine for day trippers,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45'but not for folk who have to concentrate and get some work done.'
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Yeah, I mean, this isn't outrageous.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56It's quite gentle, this particular track, but these offices here,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00who are solicitors, if they've got that going on,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04the same four or five tracks, all day, allegedly,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08since early...mid-morning, and it's now five o'clock,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I can understand that could become a nuisance.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16'Steve decides that the music from below could be disruptive to people trying to work,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18'so he heads back downstairs.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21'Here in Westminster, if an officer witnesses loud noise from a busker,
0:06:21 > 0:06:26'he doesn't need to have had a complaint to take action.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29'He can serve the busker, with a written notice
0:06:29 > 0:06:31'telling him to stop the noise at that site,
0:06:31 > 0:06:36'and that usually means the busker will have to shut up, pack up and move on.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40'If the notice is ignored, the busker runs the risk
0:06:40 > 0:06:42'of having his equipment confiscated,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45'and getting a fine of up to £5,000.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46'Best of British or not,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49'Steve lays down the law and tells the pair
0:06:49 > 0:06:52'that they can't stay in the same spot for more than half an hour.'
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Guys. Steve from the council.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59I've had a good listen, OK, it's not outrageous, all right,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03but, you've been here all day, yeah? I think that's what the problem is.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07We do a good job, as you can see, and we do generate a good crowd, a good environment for London.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09You know, it's...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13It's kind of a tourist attraction, all these tourists taking photographs.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Yeah. Yeah. - The Beatles, it's British culture.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'Sometimes Steve and his colleagues have to ruffle a few feathers
0:07:19 > 0:07:23'to keep the peace and quiet.'
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Most buskers, not all, have pretty much done their whole repertoire in 10, 15, 20 minutes,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31and then it's just a repeat of the same thing over and over again.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33All right. Well, I'll take your details.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34What's your names?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37'Steve serves a formal written notice.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43'Ignoring it could lead to a prosecution and a fine of up to £5000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45'This pair, though, claim that's not a problem,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48'as they have earned plenty of pennies down this lane.'
0:07:48 > 0:07:51As long as you make sure that what you're doing isn't causing a problem, then...
0:07:51 > 0:07:54You can take the five grand now, if you want!
0:07:54 > 0:07:59'The lads have been co-operative and accept the notice with good humour.'
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Shake your hand? Can you hand it over to me? You do it, then.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I'd like to present you with this notice.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08It's too loud!
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Shhh.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10People need to work.
0:08:12 > 0:08:18'Steve's happy that this situation is sorted and he lets the buskers be.'
0:08:18 > 0:08:21I've explained to them that it wasn't particularly the level of the music,
0:08:21 > 0:08:27I mean, the three or four minutes of music that I've heard was actually quite good and quite reasonable.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32However, listening to the same music over and over again, for the offices
0:08:32 > 0:08:36that are literally 15, 20 metres away, is too much.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39'For their part, the music makers understand
0:08:39 > 0:08:43'that their tribute to the loved Liverpudlians is not enjoyed by everyone.'
0:08:43 > 0:08:46I can understand where they're coming from.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It probably disturbs people here and there.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52On the other hand, we're also giving a free performance of entertainment
0:08:52 > 0:08:56for just anybody, and we make a lot of people smile and a lot of people happy.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's British culture, especially for tourists.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00It's an institution.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03They're going, "Look, it's The Beatles." That's part of Britain.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Whatever happened to peace and love, eh?
0:09:06 > 0:09:12'They might not have many fans in the nearby offices, but they do have one or two groupies.'
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I enjoy the music, I enjoy the person.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21He is, er...similar The Beatles.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24'Steve's warning did the trick.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28'To date, no further complaints have been received about these buskers,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30'and no further action has been necessary.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38'If there's one type of nuisance noise that produces more complaints than anything else,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41'it's noisy neighbours that just won't pipe down.'
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Some people have got animals they can't control, young children.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48They just don't have any respect, or think of other people.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50You know, ten people, even five people,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53can make so much noise when they get a little bit drunk
0:09:53 > 0:09:55and it all gets out of hand.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00'Loud DIY and barking dogs can be a real problem,
0:10:00 > 0:10:05'but by far the biggest cause of complaint are loud parties.'
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Can you get me somebody who lives here?- I live here.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Go and turn the music down, then come back and talk to me.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13'Like many noise teams around the country,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'the Belfast noise squad are used to dealing with rowdy revellers
0:10:16 > 0:10:21'who are making too much noise and keeping their neighbours awake.'
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I'm getting complaints from your neighbours about the level of noise from your property.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27That music is far too loud.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29You need to turn it off, or turn it right down.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32All you need to do is keep the door closed and the music down.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35If you keep it inside the house, you know, it'll not be an issue.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40'Tonight, noise officers Steve and Tim, who've got 15 years' experience between them,
0:10:40 > 0:10:41'are on the night shift.'
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Everybody's got home after a long week at work,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48thought, "Ah, nice weather, barbecue, back garden, loud music on."
0:10:48 > 0:10:54'It's just after nine, and they've received a complaint about a noisy party.'
0:10:54 > 0:10:59We're heading to a complaint about loud music, rave music.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Where is the music coming from, there?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Yeah, it must be one of the two.
0:11:11 > 0:11:17We'll go and talk to them, but it's unlikely they'll listen to us, this time of night.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21'Having assessed if there's a problem, they knock on the noise maker's door.'
0:11:21 > 0:11:24HE KNOCKS ON WINDOW
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- How're you doing? We're from Belfast City Council noise service. - Hiya.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35We're having some complaints about the noise from your property.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39'The lady says that she didn't think noise was a problem until 11 at night.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42'Steve sets her straight.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:46It's fairly loud, so it is, so if you'll just close the windows and doors and keep it down, OK?
0:11:46 > 0:11:51If we have to come back later on, you could be looking at a warning notice and a £100 fine.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53With that at the level of noise we heard there now.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57'Despite Steve's warning, the lady argues her case.'
0:11:57 > 0:11:58After 11 o'clock you can get fined.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Before 11, we'll just come and have a chat with you. OK?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04This the first time we've come to your property.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It is the first time you've came here, like.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Good night.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12'The doors and windows get shut. Not too delicately.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17'If you're being disturbed by noisy neighbours,
0:12:17 > 0:12:22'the first thing to do to try and resolve it is to speak calmly with them.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27'If that's not possible, keep a record of the time and type of noise that's bothering you
0:12:27 > 0:12:31'so that when you call your local council for help,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'you can give them as much useful information as possible.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39'And remember - DON'T call 999 about a noise nuisance,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41'get in touch with your local council.'
0:12:41 > 0:12:46People have a misconception that they can make as much noise as they want during the day.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52The council can take action on loud noise disturbance day or night,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54we've stronger powers after 11 o'clock.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00But, you know, if there's really loud music on during the day,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02the council can still take action on it.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07'Time will tell if Steve and Tim's verbal warning will keep this noisy neighbour quiet,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11'but for now they're on their way to a rowdy party.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'First, they go to see the person that has called to complain.'
0:13:16 > 0:13:19There seems to be an element of party makers.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29You know, the music's not pumping, it's really just them out on the balcony is the main problem.
0:13:29 > 0:13:36What we've got to look at is how unreasonable they're being and how poor the sound insulation is.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39We'll probably go down and have a wee chat with them,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41but if it goes back up again loud, after we leave,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44we can come back and serve a written warning, threaten a £100 fine.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46But at the minute it's not loud enough for that.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50'Different councils deal with nuisance noise slightly differently.
0:13:50 > 0:13:56'But in order to take action, all officers must witness a problem first hand.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59'Here in Belfast, before 11 o'clock,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02'officers usually give verbal warnings.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'After this time, they can serve a more formal warning notice.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10'If this is ignored, they can hand out a £100 fine.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11'Should the problem still persist,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15'then the noise maker risks being prosecuted in the Magistrate's Court
0:14:15 > 0:14:19'and in extreme cases fined up to £5,000.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24'In this case the noise isn't loud enough for a warning notice,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28'but Tim and Steve have decided it does warrant them having a word.'
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Hi, we're from the council's noise service. Can I speak to somebody who lives here?
0:14:32 > 0:14:33I live here.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Right. Getting complaints from the neighbours about the level of noise.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38SPEECH INAUDIBLE
0:14:41 > 0:14:43DOOR BANGS
0:14:43 > 0:14:45INAUDIBLE SPEECH
0:14:45 > 0:14:49'This guy says he's having a birthday bash,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53'but that's no excuse for making nuisance noise.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Because it's flats, it travels straight through,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00and everybody out on the balcony shouting, so if you can try and keep them in off the balcony.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04We're trying to be reasonable with you, we understand it's a Friday night,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06so we're saying, just calm it down, turn the music down a bit.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09'The birthday boy is arguing his case
0:15:09 > 0:15:13'and says he doesn't complain about other people when they make a noise.'
0:15:13 > 0:15:16But it's people's prerogative to complain.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Can you turn the bass way down, and overall volume down a bit? It's still too loud.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23'He asks if turning the volume down would solve the problem.'
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Well, it depends whether you're shouting and singing along to it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29'This fellow is arguing his case, but Tim's clear -
0:15:29 > 0:15:33'if things get any louder, there could be a problem.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35'With ten years' experience on the job,
0:15:35 > 0:15:41'he's worried that this situation is going to get worse before it gets better.'
0:15:41 > 0:15:45He was actually all right, but it's his birthday party,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47and I don't think he's going to, you know...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I'm not sure he's going to listen.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58'Tim's instincts were right. Just as they're leaving,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02'someone cranks the music up and the lads return inside.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The way the apartments are, we have to park out the front
0:16:05 > 0:16:08and the noise makers can see us from their balcony.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12So they had the music on when we went back out to the car.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15And now they've seen us come back in, they've turned it off again.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17I'm hearing some music and voices.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21We'll call on the complainant again?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26'This is turning into a game of cat and mouse.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28'Tim and Steve are a patient pair, though.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33'They head back to the neighbour's flat to listen to the noise levels there.'
0:16:33 > 0:16:36It's all calm, but I think it's because they seen us coming back in.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38So, I think we'll leave it for now.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42It may well go back up again when they see us leave, but I think they've seen us come back in.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46So if we go away and do a couple of calls, and if it does come back up again and you want us back,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50we'll come back and try and drive in, maybe that'll be less conspicuous.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55'As it's all gone quiet, there's nothing Tim and Steve can do for now, and they head off.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59'That's not the end of this noisy story, though.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05'We'll be back with the lads later as they return to this block of flats for a third time.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08'And this time, they catch the noise maker in the act.'
0:17:08 > 0:17:10We've had two complaints from other flats, all right?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12You'll have to knock the tunes on the head.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22'For people who live and work in London,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26'loud and repetitive busking can be a nuisance.'
0:17:26 > 0:17:31# Won't you please, please help me? #
0:17:31 > 0:17:34'Busking, though, isn't illegal.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37'Westminster Council's noise squad only take action
0:17:37 > 0:17:41'by serving a notice that legally obliges buskers to quieten down
0:17:41 > 0:17:43'or face the possibility of prosecution
0:17:43 > 0:17:47'and having their equipment confiscated when it's necessary.'
0:17:48 > 0:17:54We don't serve notices on everybody, only those that are likely to be causing a nuisance,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57or the ones that are, in fact, causing a nuisance.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01We live and let live as much as we can in Westminster,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05it's just a case of controlling the noise as best we can, in a way,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07and where we can as well.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11'Mike Peters has worked for the noise squad for 20 years,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16'and today he's out and about on a proactive busker patrol.'
0:18:18 > 0:18:22See who's causing the problem, give him a little bit of a warning, if not a notice.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25'As he walks through Piccadilly Circus,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29'he comes across a band with amplifiers, boosting their noise level,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32'which he thinks has the potential to be causing people a bit of earache.'
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Right, you can see the band over the far side of the square, there.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42What I'll do is go into some of these shops,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44see if you can actually hear them,
0:18:44 > 0:18:49and then we'll serve a notice on them as it's likely to be a nuisance in the future.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51'Mike's instincts are spot on.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53'A nearby restaurant manager,
0:18:53 > 0:19:00'whose business has live music that he says has to compete with buskers outside almost every day,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02'is fed up.'
0:19:02 > 0:19:06They play it too loud. Especially on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday
0:19:06 > 0:19:08we got, I mean, the music live in here
0:19:08 > 0:19:12and they're really affecting our business.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Cos you've got two music playing at the same time
0:19:16 > 0:19:18and it's quite disturbing.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21It's very annoying, to be honest.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Too loud. It's too loud.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27'Although the restaurant manager says that buskers here are a problem,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31'Mike and his colleagues haven't received a direct complaint about this band.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35'They're in an area surrounded by businesses and homes though,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37'so Mike's going to take action.'
0:19:37 > 0:19:42Well, I've been into the restaurant here, and you can certainly hear it inside.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It's likely to be a nuisance if it's a bit louder,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49so I think what we'll do is serve a notice on them.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54'Noise officers have to witness nuisance noise first hand to do something about it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56'But it doesn't need to have been complained about.
0:19:56 > 0:20:03'Mike's serving a noise abatement notice to try and head off any problems before they arise.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06'The notice means the buskers will have to turn the music down
0:20:06 > 0:20:10'and it limits the amount of time and how often they can play here.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13'If they breach it, they could be prosecuted,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15'have their instruments confiscated
0:20:15 > 0:20:17'and be fined.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21'Once again, Mike's instincts are bang on the money.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26'Just as he's about to serve a notice on the buskers for being a likely nuisance in the future,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28'there's been a complaint from a disgruntled worker
0:20:28 > 0:20:30'who's fed up with the noise.'
0:20:30 > 0:20:35There's now a job on the system from someone who's working round here,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37about this band.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40It just so happens that we're here, which is a coincidence.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44'Having witnessed the noise, and with a complaint on the system, Mike moves in.'
0:20:44 > 0:20:46I'm from the noise team.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Your busking here is too loud.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- OK.- You can clearly hear it in people's commercial premises.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- OK.- We've had a complaint as well.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59'He explains that he's serving a notice.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05'Because although they've drawn a crowd, their performance isn't being enjoyed by everyone.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:08So I'm going to serve a notice on you.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09OK, what's that going to entail?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12What it means is, if you come back here and you play the music
0:21:12 > 0:21:15at a level that's a nuisance, then you can personally be prosecuted.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- OK.- And I'll serve one on each of you chaps as well
0:21:20 > 0:21:22and then it'll cover you all.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24A correct name and address will be helpful... OK.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26..as we've got the police here as well.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29'Mike might have stopped the band playing,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31'but not everyone is fed up of hearing them.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35'Some folk obviously think they were quite good.'
0:21:35 > 0:21:38What's the remit of this notice?
0:21:38 > 0:21:41You could be fined up to 5,000 quid, or, more importantly,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43we can take your equipment away, too.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Right. Be a shame, wouldn't it? - It'd be a shame for you. - It would be a dreadful shame for us.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53'This chap has been reasonable and co-operative. Mike serves the other two members with their notice,
0:21:53 > 0:21:58'and although they understand why they've been served, they think they've got a bit of a bum deal.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:02I understand there are places in London, you know, neighbours,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05and I understand that they complain,
0:22:05 > 0:22:09but it's five o'clock, we're playing in Piccadilly Circus,
0:22:09 > 0:22:14there's a lot of traffic here louder than us
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and I think we're only entertaining people and making people happy.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22It's a great city, city of musicians
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and I'm very disappointed.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28But we're happy to pack and go.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It's just a shame that someone's always there to poop the party.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34'On every case they deal with, noise officers have to be even-handed,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36'and Mike has had to weigh up the balance
0:22:36 > 0:22:38'of the entertainment these guys are providing,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42'against the nuisance that it's causing some who work round here.'
0:22:42 > 0:22:47I do have sympathy for buskers because, actually, a lot of them are very good
0:22:47 > 0:22:52and they're very original and they're good at what they do.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55But the trouble I have, it's OK if you're a tourist
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and you're listening to it for 10, 15 minutes and you can move on,
0:22:58 > 0:23:03but if you're working around here then you don't get any break from it
0:23:03 > 0:23:08and they could be there for hours at a time unless someone complains or we see them.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12'To date, there have been no further complaints about these buskers
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'and Mike and his colleagues have taken no further action against them.'
0:23:18 > 0:23:20'Things might have quietened down here,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22'but it's not the end of Mike's busker patrol.'
0:23:22 > 0:23:25You told me you're Westminster Council. So what?
0:23:25 > 0:23:30'Tensions rise when he confronts a musician in Trafalgar Square.'
0:23:30 > 0:23:32You tell me to turn it down and I'll turn it down.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33I'm not causing a nuisance.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37'In Belfast, Tim and Steve are called back to the raucous birthday party.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's annoying three different apartments. It's far too loud, man.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44'And in York, the team respond to an allegation that a business
0:23:44 > 0:23:46'is being run from a council tenant's home.'
0:23:46 > 0:23:49We've had this allegation, wanted to come and see what you're doing.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00'York has over 200,000 residents.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02'It's a busy city
0:24:02 > 0:24:05'and its noise team dealt with 2,500 calls last year.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11'Over 1,500 of those were about neighbourly noise
0:24:11 > 0:24:13'and that isn't always loud music.'
0:24:13 > 0:24:16This is what's making the noise.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19I received one when I got home today. CHICKENS CLUCK
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'Craig Delorenzo has been with the noise team for over six years.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:28It's Craig Delorenzo here from York Council. Are you all right to talk?
0:24:28 > 0:24:31'He has a degree in biological sciences,
0:24:31 > 0:24:36'a master's degree in environmental health and a diploma in acoustics.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39'But one of the biggest qualifications for this job
0:24:39 > 0:24:43'is being able to listen and often mediate between disgruntled neighbours.'
0:24:43 > 0:24:46We're off to speak with a council tenant
0:24:46 > 0:24:49about noise being created by woodwork.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54He's doing it in his council property, which can be a breach of his tenancy
0:24:54 > 0:24:56as well as causing a noise nuisance.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00'It's alleged by the neighbour that the tenant is running a business from his home.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05'That would have serious implications for him if he hasn't got permission from the council.'
0:25:05 > 0:25:10I'm going on a joint visit with Nicki Simpson from the Council Housing Department.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13She's the estate manager for the area,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15so she's in charge of the tenants
0:25:15 > 0:25:19and their behaviour within council tenancies.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23We work closely together on cases like this.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26We gather the evidence for them and if they feel it's necessary,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30they will evict the tenant for noise nuisance.
0:25:30 > 0:25:36As this is the first complaint, I expect that the person may be disappointed
0:25:36 > 0:25:41that their neighbours haven't been round to speak to them about the problem themselves.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42You know, modern times,
0:25:42 > 0:25:48it's a real shame that people don't get to know their neighbours as much as they did in the past,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52and it often means that we are the first port of call
0:25:52 > 0:25:56when it comes to a problem such as a noise problem.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59People don't feel that they can go and speak to their neighbours,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02be that because they're intimidated by them,
0:26:02 > 0:26:07or just that they don't want to get involved in a dispute with their neighbours.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10'Like his colleagues across the UK,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13'Craig has to take an even-handed approach to all complaints he deals with.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17'So he'll be listening to both sides of the story before deciding what action,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20'if any, will be needed in this case.'
0:26:21 > 0:26:27I'm just going out to find out exactly what work he is doing in his property,
0:26:27 > 0:26:32see if there is anything that we can offer in advice
0:26:32 > 0:26:38and find out exactly who he is, what he's doing and why he's doing it.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44'Craig and Nicki go in to gather the facts and discuss the complaint.'
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Craig Delorenzo from the Environment Protection Unit.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51This is Nicki Simpson, she's your estate manager.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54We've had a complaint, and we're wondering if we can have a chat with you about it.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Yeah, course you can.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03So the complaint that I've received is about you doing some sort of woodwork
0:27:03 > 0:27:07for building bird boxes and things like that.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08Is that right?
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Well, I do make things for myself, yeah.- Right. Just for yourself?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- That's it, yeah.- Right.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Cos the allegation that we've received is that
0:27:16 > 0:27:19you're making it for selling them on, or whatever.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Is that not the case? - No, it's not, no.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We've just moved in here. I've built everything in the garden.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Right. Can I have a look in the garden?- Course you can.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31So it's quite a hobby of yours, then, the woodwork?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Yes. I did actually do it for a living.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37I had to claim certain benefits because I'm on a low income,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40we don't earn a fortune, you know, the council know that I do that.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44I do do bits and bobs here, but it's just for myself.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Well, just as we pulled up I could hear you had some sort of wood saw going.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Once in a blue moon I do, but I...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53if I do something here, it's about an hour a day.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Just a couple of hours or so then that shouldn't be a problem.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59It's when we get complaints... If you were running like a sawmill here,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02and it was continuous, day in, day out, that would be an issue.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Or if you were doing it at three in the morning.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08I wouldn't do anything before ten o'clock. Because I wouldn't like it myself.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12As long as you're doing it for your own benefit and you're not
0:28:12 > 0:28:15working from here and doing hours on end it shouldn't be a problem.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18'Running a business from home has insurance and health and safety issues.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22'It also needs written permission from the council.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:27The allegations that we've received is that you are doing a lot here
0:28:27 > 0:28:29and it's being transported out.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32I checked with Benefits, and they said that, yes, you were self-employed,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34which is fine and all above board.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37The issue that we've got is if you are doing some of it here
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- for your business, then you've got to have permission from us to do that. - OK.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45I do saw stuff here, there's stuff here now that I do take out because it's a lot easier.
0:28:45 > 0:28:51We've had this allegation, we wanted to come and see what you're doing, and give you some advice if needed.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54What you've told me is perfectly reasonable
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and we wouldn't have a problem with that.
0:28:57 > 0:29:03'It seems like the tenant is not in breach of any noise laws and is receptive to Craig's advice.'
0:29:03 > 0:29:07As long as you're not doing anything wrong, then as far as we're concerned there's no issue.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12If we can say you're not going to do it before ten o'clock in the morning,
0:29:12 > 0:29:17and the most you're going to do is for three hours of sawing, or hammering or anything,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21then, you know, I can't see that being a problem.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- Thank you.- All right? - Yeah, that's great, thank you.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27That's great. I'll put that in writing to you, to say that we've agreed that
0:29:27 > 0:29:29and I'll say that to your neighbour. All right?
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- Right, thank you very much. - No problem.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34'This is a complaint that should take care of itself,
0:29:34 > 0:29:39'but the noise team and the housing department will keep an eye on it.'
0:29:39 > 0:29:42From what I saw today, it looks like he was doing some woodwork for his garden,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45so there's more work needed doing now
0:29:45 > 0:29:49and that should tail off to nothing in the future.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54I think it can be the case that sometimes when a complaint is made to officials like the council,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56it can create a neighbour dispute,
0:29:56 > 0:30:01whereas it is always better to go and talk to your neighbour about the noise problem.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03I'm very happy with the resolution today
0:30:03 > 0:30:07and I hope that the complainant is very happy with it, too.
0:30:07 > 0:30:13'After this visit, the woodworking tenant agreed to only work for three hours a day.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17'Craig confirmed this in writing with him and the complainant
0:30:17 > 0:30:20'and made them both aware of the law and the case was closed.'
0:30:26 > 0:30:31'In Belfast, Noise Enforcement Officers Tim and Steve are working the nightshift.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35'They've been dealing with two noisy neighbours.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37'One in a house and the other in a flat.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40'In order to take action, they have to witness nuisance noise first-hand
0:30:40 > 0:30:44'and so far they haven't heard anything that deserves more than a quiet word.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51'It's now midnight and they've had a call to say the music's back on loud
0:30:51 > 0:30:54'at the house they visited earlier.'
0:30:54 > 0:30:58We're heading back to the complaint we were at earlier on.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03We gave a verbal warning at approximately half-nine, I think.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10It was a young girl. She turned the music down and closed the windows when we were there earlier on,
0:31:10 > 0:31:15but I'm not sure that the message had got through.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Cos we've had... The same complainant's phoned back to say the music's back on
0:31:19 > 0:31:23and it's causing a disturbance, so we'll go back out and, if it is on,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27she's going to get a warning notice that threatens a £100 spot fine.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32'As the lads are heading back to the first party, another call comes in.'
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- PHONE RINGS - Belfast City Council Noise Service.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39'It's another complaint about loud noise coming from the flat.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41'No surprises there, then.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'Tim and Steve will be heading back to the flat they visited earlier,
0:31:45 > 0:31:50'but first they have to deal with the complaint they were originally called to around 9:30.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54'As they arrive it's all quiet, and there's a reason for that.'
0:31:54 > 0:32:00We phoned for that one, but she's, literally five minutes ago, just been lifted.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'The woman they spoke to earlier has apparently been arrested by the police,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'and according to one of the neighbours,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'loud noise has been an ongoing issue for the people living near her.'
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- Has the noise disturbed you on a regular basis?- Every night. Every single night.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- What type of noise is it? - Screaming, shouting, music.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22You don't mind it during the day, we all like to have a party,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25but, no. It's just constant.
0:32:25 > 0:32:31It's every single night of the week. Which is not fair...
0:32:31 > 0:32:34on the whole of the street.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39'Whatever the reason for her being arrested, there's nothing more Tim and Steve can do here.'
0:32:39 > 0:32:43We've arrived in the street, the property's actually silent.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46We've spoke to one of the complainants and they've told us
0:32:46 > 0:32:52that about 20 minutes before we arrived, the police had arrested the occupant of the property
0:32:52 > 0:32:58and taken her away, and since then the property's been quiet.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01So there's nothing further we can do tonight.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07'That's not the case at the second party, where more fed-up neighbours
0:33:07 > 0:33:10'have called to complain about a noisy birthday bash.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15'If the lads witness nuisance noise, they can serve the party holder with a warning notice.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18'This means they have a legal requirement to quieten down.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'If they don't, they could be hit with a £100 fine.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24'They make sure they're not seen arriving,
0:33:24 > 0:33:28'but when they get to one of the neighbours' flats to see if there's a nuisance being caused,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30'it's all gone quiet.'
0:33:35 > 0:33:41In order to serve the warning notice, we'd have to witness loud noise again coming from the party.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43At the minute it's quietened down.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Your options are we can hang around for a while and if it goes up, we can do something.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51But unless we witness a noise level that we can enforce, we have to be impartial.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Plus, you can't go and say turn the music down when there's no music on.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56Difficult, you know.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01I appreciate that it might come back on in a couple of minutes. Maybe that's them leaving.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06'This case has been a bit like the hokey cokey for Tim and Steve.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10'They've been in, out, in, out. But they're determined to see it out.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13'They decide to wait to see if the music comes back on.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23'Their patience pays off.'
0:34:23 > 0:34:25That OK, Tim?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Be OK if it was in the bedroom.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34'Tim writes out a formal written notice.'
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Hopefully the notice will have the desired effect.
0:34:38 > 0:34:39And bring it to an end.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43'And they head off to talk to the noise maker.'
0:34:43 > 0:34:46We've had two other complaints from two other flats, all right?
0:34:46 > 0:34:49You're going to have to knock the tunes on the head. All right?
0:34:49 > 0:34:53Well, it's annoying three different apartments. That's far too loud, man.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57'The birthday boy says he didn't complain about people making a noise last night.'
0:34:57 > 0:35:01What we can do is action complaints we're getting. It's far too loud.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03What I'd advise you to do is turn the music off,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06because you don't seem to be able to turn it down.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Cos we've asked you to turn it down and you haven't turned it down.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12I don't want you to get fined on your birthday, mate.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15If we get any more complaints, you're getting fined on your birthday.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20This is a written warning saying I've been here. If you don't take it, I'll just post it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22BLEEP. BLEEP.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26'He won't take the notice and goes to get a friend to talk to Tim and Steve.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32'But with so many people being kept awake because of the noise,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34'Tim is in no mood to compromise.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:37He came into the hallway with three or four mates behind him.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38But then when one mate came out,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41they closed the door on the other guys.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43It seems he'd went to get a more sober friend
0:35:43 > 0:35:46so I could explain to him what was actually happening.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49It's the guy's birthday. I understand he's having a party
0:35:49 > 0:35:52and you don't want to fine someone on their birthday,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56but if they don't take your advice then they're going to get fined, even though it is their birthday.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59I've tried to talk him out as much as possible.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02The notice has been served. If we come back tonight, he's getting a fine.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06'It's been a tricky case, but the written warning did the trick.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09'There were no further complaints about the party
0:36:09 > 0:36:10'and no further action was necessary.'
0:36:14 > 0:36:20'In Westminster, Noise Enforcement Officer Mike Peters is on a proactive busker patrol.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25'He's in Trafalgar Square, and he's got his eyes and ears on a soloist
0:36:25 > 0:36:28'who the council's noise squad have spoken to in the past.'
0:36:28 > 0:36:31REGGAE MUSIC
0:36:36 > 0:36:42'In order to take action, noise enforcement officers have to witness nuisance noise first-hand.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45'But the noise doesn't need to have been complained about.'
0:36:45 > 0:36:51The council can serve a notice on people where they consider that there's likely to be a nuisance,
0:36:51 > 0:36:56and bearing in mind that this chap is about 30, 40 yards away
0:36:56 > 0:37:01from the National Portrait Gallery and he's got an amplifier and it's quite loud,
0:37:01 > 0:37:07then I think it could well be likely to be a nuisance.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11So we'll take it from there and we'll serve him the notice.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15'Mike and his colleagues can take action if they hear something
0:37:15 > 0:37:18'that they think is loud enough to be a nuisance in the future.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22'It's an attempt to keep the peace and stop people having to complain.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26'The notice, though, doesn't ban the busker from ever playing again.'
0:37:26 > 0:37:30It's quite pleasant, the music, at the moment. It's a bit of light reggae.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34But I can imagine if I was working there for four, five, six hours,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37it might get a bit boring and repetitive and annoying.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'Mike goes to talk to the melody maker.'
0:37:40 > 0:37:44# Three little birds, yeah Pitch by my doorstep... #
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Hello, mate. Westminster Council. Can I have a word?
0:37:47 > 0:37:49'He's introduced himself,
0:37:49 > 0:37:54'but the musician isn't happy that his set has been interrupted.'
0:37:54 > 0:37:57What's wrong with you guys? You've told me enough already.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00What have we told you already? Not to play here?
0:38:00 > 0:38:04You told me you were Westminster Council. So what?
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Let me tell you why I'm here, then. - Yeah, why are you here?
0:38:07 > 0:38:11You're likely to be causing a nuisance for people working around here.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15No, I'm not. I only arrived about half an hour ago.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Yeah, but the level of noise is such that you are likely to be a nuisance to people round here.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23You tell me to turn it down, and I'll turn it down. I'm not causing a nuisance.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25We've been here before, we've seen you before.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27So what?
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Well, we're going to take some action this time by serving a notice on you this time.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Why are you going to take up some action on me? For what?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I only come out twice a week, twice a week and play my music.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40Mike is being accompanied by a plain-clothes officer to his right
0:38:40 > 0:38:43and things are starting to heat up.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I am not causing no nuisance.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- Likely is the word, right? - Get your action right.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52You should go and fine all these people that are killing and bombing people instead of stopping me.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54'It's a difficult situation
0:38:54 > 0:38:57'but Mike has to take into account the people who work nearby
0:38:57 > 0:39:00'and his instincts about what could be a nuisance to people
0:39:00 > 0:39:04'have already been proved to be spot on earlier in Piccadilly Circus.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07'He's going to serve a notice.'
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Can I have your name, sir, please?
0:39:08 > 0:39:10'Well, he's going to try.'
0:39:10 > 0:39:11What for?
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- Cos I want to serve this notice on you, a legal notice. - What legal notice?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Well, the notice says that you are not permitted to cause a nuisance...
0:39:18 > 0:39:22I am not causing no nuisance. Ask the people if I'm causing a nuisance.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26'With members of the public starting to heckle Mike, and the musician clearly upset,
0:39:26 > 0:39:30'things are getting increasingly difficult,
0:39:30 > 0:39:32'but his years of experience have taught him to stay calm.'
0:39:32 > 0:39:37I am not causing no nuisance. You are a pain in the backside, you are not listening to reasoning.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Everyone's enjoying the music. What do you mean I'm causing a nuisance?
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- I didn't say you were causing a nuisance at the moment.- You said I'm likely to cause a nuisance.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Look at your face. You're being sarcastic.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51This notice doesn't tell you not to play.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- It just means to say that you can't make a nuisance, all right? - All right.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58'The musician now understands that he's not being told he can't play at all,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02'just that he can't create a nuisance by playing too loud and too often.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05'He becomes a little more composed.'
0:40:05 > 0:40:09What this notice will say to you is that you must keep it down in future.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11OK. That's cool. No problem.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Right. Otherwise, if we get complaints about it
0:40:13 > 0:40:17and we know that it is a nuisance, then you might be prosecuted.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Listen, this is my first day out this week
0:40:19 > 0:40:24and if there's been noise during the week, I haven't been here, this is my first day.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26If anyone's been causing a nuisance, it's not me.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30That's why I'm arguing with you, because I haven't been playing all week.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32This is my first day out today.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36Well, we've just heard you for five minutes and that's all it takes in Westminster, I'm afraid.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37All right, OK, OK.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41'It's taken a while, but Mike's got his message through.'
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- If my music is low? - If it's low, then that isn't going to be a problem, is it?
0:40:46 > 0:40:50If we get a complaint from someone, then we have to come here and visit their place,
0:40:50 > 0:40:54and if we hear you, and it's loud enough, then it will be a nuisance.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Fair enough. Yeah, I understand, man, I understand. Fair enough.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Right, there's that for you, then. Thank you very much.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03So how loud can I have my music?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05If you think of where you are,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08then your music's likely to be causing a problem 30 yards away, isn't it?
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Inside there? All right.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- With the volume that it was. - So if I lower it down.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18I would say so, but that's up to you, really.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20Yeah, all right.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Right, good, thank you very much.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Yeah, no problem, no problem.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29At least you're letting me play, that's cool, that's cool.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- All right, I'll keep it down, I'll keep it down. I promise. - Bye-bye.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34'The notice is served.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39'The situation calms down, and the busker asks his audience to move in a bit closer.'
0:41:39 > 0:41:44I can't play my music too loud for them over there because if I do, I'll get in trouble.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49So if they come a bit more near and listen then they can hear the music. Have to play low, now.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Well, that was an interesting one.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I think he saw the logic in the end, but...
0:41:54 > 0:41:58he was a bit obstreperous to start with.
0:41:58 > 0:42:06But anyway, a lot of people are when they think that something's going to happen to them drastic, on the spot.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10But he calmed down a bit. Best of friends, now, we are.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14'I wouldn't hold your breath for a Christmas card, Mike.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18'The notice has been served, though, and so far the Westminster noise squad have had no complaints
0:42:18 > 0:42:23'about this busker and no further action has been taken against him.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28'It's been a busy shift for the noise squad.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30'We've seen them confront rowdy revellers...'
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It's far too loud.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34'..deal with a neighbourly dispute...'
0:42:34 > 0:42:38If it was continuous, day in day out, that would be an issue.
0:42:38 > 0:42:39'..and tackle buskers.'
0:42:39 > 0:42:41We can take your equipment away.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- Be a shame, wouldn't it? - Well, it would be a shame for you.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47'There's no let up in the battle against anti-social nuisance noise, though
0:42:47 > 0:42:51'and plenty more cases still to be dealt with by the Noise Squad.'
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:42:59 > 0:43:03E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk