0:00:03 > 0:00:06All over the UK, millions of people, just like you and me,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11are being driven up the wall by anti-social nuisance noise.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14When you wake me up in the middle of the night, at 3 o'clock,
0:00:14 > 0:00:15that's when I get in your face.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I just want them to have some consideration for other people,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21and our other neighbours, and just... So we can sleep.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Persistent parties...
0:00:23 > 0:00:26aggravating alarms...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29and banging builders.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32They're keeping us awake, disturbing our peace and quiet
0:00:32 > 0:00:34and driving us to despair.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Well, it's very annoying, to be honest. Too loud.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Too loud.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's just a nightmare.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42But the fightback is on.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45You'll need to come down, we're getting complaints about the noise.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Across the country, dedicated enforcement teams
0:00:49 > 0:00:53are getting to grips with nuisance noise, 24/7.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Noise can be a statutory nuisance any time of day.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- You must clear off now. - Yeah, that's why I'm clearing.- OK.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Enough is enough. It's time to put an end to nuisance noise.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Go and turn the music down, then come back and talk to me.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10It's time to meet the no-nonsense Noise Squad.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28Raising the roof and driving people round the bend today on Noise Squad.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33A disco in someone's back garden has to be seen to be believed...
0:01:33 > 0:01:36LOUD MUSIC AND CHATTERING
0:01:36 > 0:01:40..a faulty alarm is annoying an entire street...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Obviously, being terraced houses all round here,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45I can hear it through the wall too,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48so it's been very irritating for the afternoon.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50And officers don't know what they'll be faced with
0:01:50 > 0:01:53when they're called to deal with a noisy neighbour.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55We don't know anything about this guy,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57but the complainant's saying that the police
0:01:57 > 0:02:00would be in regular attendance at this property, so we just have to see
0:02:00 > 0:02:03how it goes when he comes out, if he comes to the door.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11York, the county town of Yorkshire, is home to 200,000 people.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Like their colleagues in big towns and cities across the UK,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17the council's Noise Squad
0:02:17 > 0:02:19are used to dealing with all kinds of complaints.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21From loud music...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24..to barking dogs...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29..and annoying alarms.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33There are ten people on the team plus one trainee officer,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Siobhan Metcalfe.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Tonight is my first evening with the noise patrol
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and, to be honest, I'm quite looking forward to it
0:02:40 > 0:02:42because I think it'll be quite a fast-paced environment.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Siobhan is gaining experience with the council's Noise Squad
0:02:46 > 0:02:49after graduating with a degree in Environmental Health
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and she's about to head out on her first ever night shift.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56A job's come through and it's the other side of the city
0:02:56 > 0:02:59so I think we're off to have a look and see what's what.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Tonight, Siobhan's on shift with Ian,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05who's been with the team for five years.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09We've had a complaint about loud music from a student house.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14They were written to and warned...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18..probably just over a week ago about loud music,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22different complainant, so we're just going to go out, visit the...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24visit the complainant, and see what we can hear.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28In his five years in York, Ian's seen it all, but for Siobhan,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32this is the first time she's been on the front line
0:03:32 > 0:03:35dealing with night-time noise complaints.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Just a case of experiencing different situations
0:03:38 > 0:03:41and be able to make a judgement as to whether I think
0:03:41 > 0:03:43it's a nuisance or not and, kind of,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46compare my views with experienced officers.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49So it's a good opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it, really.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54When they arrive, the team head straight inside
0:03:54 > 0:03:56the complainant's house but it seems as though
0:03:56 > 0:03:58the music's been turned off.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00How long ago was it that it actually stopped?
0:04:00 > 0:04:02About ten minutes ago, or so?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Yeah, something like that. - It weren't long ago, was it?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08And then they kept turning it down then turning it up,
0:04:08 > 0:04:09turning it down, turning it up.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Is there a usual pattern?
0:04:11 > 0:04:13They'll sometimes turn it off and then go out, or else...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The other night they kept turning it off and turning it back on.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19When it was on earlier on, what could you hear?
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Could you hear, like, just the bass beat,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23or could you identify which tracks they were?
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It's just a bass song. There is no words, is there?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28It's just a big bass, and it's all the time.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31OK. Give us a call if it does start again later on.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32It would be useful if we could go out
0:04:32 > 0:04:35and find the names of the people in there
0:04:35 > 0:04:37when it's happening, so just give us a call.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- OK.- All right.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41In order to take action, noise officers have to witness
0:04:41 > 0:04:44nuisance noise first-hand, but with nothing to hear here,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Siobhan and Ian jump back in the car and head off.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Because there was no music being played,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51we're on our way back to the office.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I've called the office to see if there's any other complaints
0:04:54 > 0:04:57that's come in so we can go straight to them as opposed to going back,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00but there's nothing as yet so we're just heading back now
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and then we're sure we'll get to go back out later on tonight.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10No sooner do the team arrive back at the office
0:05:10 > 0:05:14than the night shift starts to get a lot busier.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We've just received three calls, so what we're doing now
0:05:17 > 0:05:20is just working out the best way to get to each one
0:05:20 > 0:05:23within the quickest time so we can assess the noise
0:05:23 > 0:05:25at each property as it's going on.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28So, we'll do that, and then we'll head out.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Having drawn up a plan of action, Ian and Siobhan
0:05:31 > 0:05:34head off to the first complaint.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38We're just off to a complaint at the moment.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41She said there's loud music and voices from students
0:05:41 > 0:05:43that have been there most of the week,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45and she's said it happens nearly all week,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48so hopefully we can get out and have a listen
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and see if there's a problem or not.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55When they arrive at the complainant's home, the first job
0:05:55 > 0:05:59is to check to see if they can hear any nuisance noise.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01RAISED VOICES TALKING
0:06:06 > 0:06:08How long's it been going on for?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11All evening, and they do it all day
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- and they do it every single day as well.- Right.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It's not quite as bad as this, but it's enough to keep you up, so...
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Can't sleep through this, really. - Yeah?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- Has there been any music tonight, as well?- Yeah, there has.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29There's music throughout the day as well.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31It's a nice, sort of, low, humming noise to my life.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- It doesn't sound all that loud, a few raised voices.- Yeah.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41It might be worth us trying to get some names off them.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44We can give them a bit of a warning to turn things down.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Yeah, I know it's not, like...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48I just don't want it to be every single night.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51As it's the first complaint, what we normally tend to do
0:06:51 > 0:06:54is send a warning letter, and if we get problems afterwards...
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- OK.- ..we've got a stronger footing
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- and we can take further action. - Thank you very much.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02The lady says that the neighbours are students
0:07:02 > 0:07:04and only moved in a week ago.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06You know, you hear they're students,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I'm a student, it's fine, people have a life,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11but if I try and talk to them I feel like they won't take me seriously.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14I want them to have a formal warning
0:07:14 > 0:07:16before it becomes something so regular
0:07:16 > 0:07:19that I do get really upset about it.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21I just really worry it's going to turn into
0:07:21 > 0:07:23what my Mum would call a "party house".
0:07:23 > 0:07:29Mainly, yeah. I don't want to live next door to the party house.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Having listened to the noise, Ian and Siobhan have decided
0:07:32 > 0:07:35it's loud enough for them
0:07:35 > 0:07:37to give the tenants next door a warning letter.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Different councils deal with nuisance noise
0:07:40 > 0:07:42in slightly different ways.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Here in York, if the team witness something they think is a problem,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48they can issue a warning.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52If that doesn't work, the next step is to serve a noise abatement notice.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56That gives the noise-maker a legal obligation to quieten down.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00If the noise-maker ignores that, they can be taken to court,
0:08:00 > 0:08:01fined and also have any equipment
0:08:01 > 0:08:04responsible for making the nuisance noise seized.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Right, time to get some names.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Let me explain to you why. We've had a complaint about noise from a party that's going on,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13and I've had a listen and can hear lots of rowdy voices
0:08:13 > 0:08:18so, if it continues like that, later on, I could be forced into serving a noise abatement notice
0:08:18 > 0:08:21if I feel that the noise is a nuisance.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24So, by you giving me your names what I want to do at the moment
0:08:24 > 0:08:27is send an informal warning letter to you at the start of next week.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30But if you don't want to co-operate and give names, then,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32obviously, we could mention this to your landlord.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Well, that's all very clear.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Give Ian the names he's looking for, keep the noise down in future,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40problem solved.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- Can I just talk to my other housemates before I do anything? - By all means.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Or possibly not.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51At the moment, we're just waiting for them to come back,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and they're discussing whether they should give us their names.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58At the moment we just want to give them a warning letter,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00just an informal one, just to let them know
0:09:00 > 0:09:04that we've received a complaint and what we can do in future.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Really, we just don't want to hear the noise again.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10So she's just discussing it with her housemates
0:09:10 > 0:09:12as to whether she should give the names out.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16We do have a fairly good working relationship with the university,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18so if we find students that do cause a problem,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20we can pass that information on
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and they tend to have their own ways of dealing with them as well.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25So they give them their own warning.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29If these students don't give Siobhan and Ian the names they're after,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31their university could also get involved.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36So, a quick chat and common sense will prevail. Right?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Where does the university come into it?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Sadly not. We'll be back with the team later
0:09:40 > 0:09:43as these students continue to waste time
0:09:43 > 0:09:45that could be used helping other people.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- I know that noise pollution starts after eleven o'clock. - That's not correct.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- That's not correct?- Noise can be a statutory nuisance any time of day.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56But one way or another, Ian and Siobhan are going to get
0:09:56 > 0:09:58the names they need to issue a warning letter.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02If you don't co-operate, we'll contact the university at the start of next week,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05say we've had a noise complaint about this property
0:10:05 > 0:10:07and ask them for the details.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18We've all heard them...
0:10:18 > 0:10:25ALARMS BEEP AND WAIL
0:10:25 > 0:10:28..and when they go off, the noise drives us mad.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30The general, high-pitched wails,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33you get them from houses, car alarms...
0:10:33 > 0:10:35I want to actually put an axe through the bonnet.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- ALARM SHRIEKS - That's exactly how I feel.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I'm no makin' the noise, but it was very annoying.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Every year, the Westminster noise team get hundreds of calls
0:10:44 > 0:10:46about faulty alarms that just won't stop sounding off.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50It cuts right through everything and goes right in your ear,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53which is, at this point, what makes it pretty annoying.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Today, noise enforcement officer Mike Peters
0:10:56 > 0:10:59is on a Saturday day shift and is heading off
0:10:59 > 0:11:02to deal with a burglar alarm that's disrupting the peace
0:11:02 > 0:11:04of an entire street.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08We're going to deal with a burglar alarm...
0:11:08 > 0:11:11in a residential property.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Don't know who's inside or outside at the moment.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18It's been going for about an hour and a half, said the complainant.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21We've had two complaints about the same thing.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Dealing with noisy burglar alarms is a regular occurrence
0:11:24 > 0:11:27for Mike and his colleagues on the Council's Noise Squad.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30With so many properties in Westminster,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33they're almost a daily occurrence, I would say.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Exactly what set off this alarm is unclear,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39but it's Mike's job to silence it.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44The sounder should cut off after 20 minutes, by law.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50But invariably, things go wrong and they keep misfiring.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52So that's when we get called in.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56He arrives just after six in the evening
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and it's not difficult to find the source of the nuisance noise.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02SHRILL CHIRPING What a weird noise.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Wow.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12That's great, what a great noise that is.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19The first job is to try and track down the homeowner
0:12:19 > 0:12:21responsible for this perpetual peep.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26No, there's no-one there, so we'll try upstairs.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Despite his best efforts, Mike isn't having much luck
0:12:34 > 0:12:39and across the road, neighbours who've been driven up the wall have spotted his arrival.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43NEIGHBOUR CALLS OUT Yeah, we'll try and deal with it for you.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45All right.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Right, well, there's no-one in the whole block,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51so we'll serve a bit of paper
0:12:51 > 0:12:55and then I'll ring up the police and see what they've got to say.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Different councils deal with nuisance noise slightly differently.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05Here in Westminster, Mike can serve the owner of this faulty alarm with a noise abatement notice
0:13:05 > 0:13:08which means they are legally required to shut off this racket.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12If they don't, he can call a locksmith to disable it
0:13:12 > 0:13:16and the homeowner will have to pay the costs.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19He's given the owners of this property
0:13:19 > 0:13:21one hour to turn the alarm off.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23I'll stick it in the letter box.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33You can't say which particular flat it is,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35it might be for the whole block,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39so we'll just leave it in the hallway there.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Now, it might seem a bit strange for Mike to be serving a notice
0:13:42 > 0:13:45when he doesn't know who is responsible for it,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49but if he's going to silence the alarm and then charge the homeowner,
0:13:49 > 0:13:50he has to do things by the book.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54He's served the whole block of flats with a notice.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59While the hour plays out, Mike sets to work
0:13:59 > 0:14:02trying to find out who's responsible for the alarm
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I'll now ring the police.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07In cases like this, Mike and his colleagues
0:14:07 > 0:14:12always check the Council's key-holder database to find an owner.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Having drawn a blank, it's time to see if the police have any details.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16Right.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Yeah, it's Mike Peters here,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22I'm one of the environmental health officers from Westminster Council.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24It's an alarm, and we want you to tell us
0:14:24 > 0:14:28if you've got any key-holder details for this particular property.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30The police can't help Mike
0:14:30 > 0:14:34but they do want to make sure there are no visible signs of a break-in.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It doesn't look like it, no.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It looks all pretty secure to me.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45All right, thank you very much. Bye.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Mike's next port of call is the alarm company.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52Mike Peters is my name,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56I'm one of the environmental health officers from Westminster Council.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00It's to do with an alarm that has your name on the box.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05I haven't got a contract with you, I just want some information, please,
0:15:05 > 0:15:11as to if you have any key-holder details or any client registered.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15All right, so that means you haven't got a contract with it, yes?
0:15:15 > 0:15:18All right, many thanks. That's great. Bye.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22This address isn't ringing any bells with the alarm company.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24If he can't track them down soon,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Mike's going to have to silence the alarm
0:15:26 > 0:15:28and leave the owner with the bill.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33As the alarm rings on and on,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35local residents are well and truly fed up.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It has been very irritating for the afternoon.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42We'll be with Mike soon to find out if he can find the owners
0:15:42 > 0:15:45or if he'll need to take matters into his own hands
0:15:45 > 0:15:47and silence the alarm himself.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51We've got to wait for an hour to see if anybody does turn up.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54And then we can get our engineer down and turn it off.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07In York, trainee noise enforcement officer Siobhan Metcalfe
0:16:07 > 0:16:12is working her first night shift with her colleague, Ian Gray.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14They're trying to get the names they need
0:16:14 > 0:16:17to issue an informal warning to the residents of a student house.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Sounds like an easy enough job, but thanks to a bunch of students
0:16:21 > 0:16:24who think they know best, it's not turning out that way.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- So what's the situation? - OK. We've received a complaint, OK?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31And at the minute, we're just letting you know
0:16:31 > 0:16:34that we've received a complaint and just turn it down a little bit.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38We do need the names of all the tenants that live in the property
0:16:38 > 0:16:40so we can send you a letter out. It's a standard letter
0:16:40 > 0:16:43that comes with every complaint that's received.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46So we're letting you know that we've received a complaint
0:16:46 > 0:16:49and we're monitoring over a certain period of time
0:16:49 > 0:16:51to see if there's any further issues that arise. OK?
0:16:51 > 0:16:55So, at the minute we're seeing if we can get your details.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Siobhan's been very clear about what's happening
0:16:58 > 0:17:00and why she needs to know who lives here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Why do you need to send a letter to the guests that don't live here?
0:17:04 > 0:17:06We don't, we need the tenants' names.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Tenants' names? - Yeah, that's what I'm asking for.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Rather than telling her what she needs to know, though,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14this not-so-bright spark decides to try and teach
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Ian and Siobhan the rules about nuisance noise.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- If the nature of the complaint was noise, right?- Yep.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23So their complaint was taken at...
0:17:23 > 0:17:26You were here at just gone 11,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29so I take it the complaint was made just before 11?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31About half an hour ago, something like that.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35So it was before 11 o'clock, then? Before 11pm, OK?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37So, I know the noise level, noise pollution,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39starts after 11 o'clock.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- That's not correct. - That's not correct?
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Noise can be a statutory nuisance any time of day
0:17:45 > 0:17:48so it's a myth that it's only after 11 o'clock.
0:17:48 > 0:17:5011 o'clock is classed as being...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Once you get after 11 it's the official night-time hours, as such,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56but noise can be a nuisance any time of day.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Any time? I'm failing to see
0:17:58 > 0:18:01how this noise could be any nuisance to anyone.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05So that's a D for knowing the rules about nuisance noise.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08More homework and less partying required, I think, young man.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11All we're trying to do at the moment is get the names of the people
0:18:11 > 0:18:14in the house so we can write a letter to them.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17If you don't want to co-operate, we'll contact the university
0:18:17 > 0:18:20at the start of next week, say we've had a noise complaint
0:18:20 > 0:18:23about this property and ask them for details themselves.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24There's been enough messing about,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28there are other calls waiting for Ian and Siobhan to deal with.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Either these students tell them who lives here
0:18:30 > 0:18:32or they'll find out from the university.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34I'll go and have a word, then, and see what...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37We've got other visits we have to go to, so...
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Really? While everyone's having fun on a Saturday night?
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- OK, I tell you what...- We'll be with you in a second, I'm just going to talk to the tenants.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49After a quick chat, the students finally realise
0:18:49 > 0:18:51they don't know best.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53They give Ian and Siobhan the names they need
0:18:53 > 0:18:57to send out a warning letter, but it's been a tricky case for Siobhan.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I was quite pleased Ian was there to give us a bit of backup
0:19:00 > 0:19:03and give us a bit of extra encouragement,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07and there's questions I might not have been able to answer, as well, on the night.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12But overall it's just another experience of how to deal with different people differently.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15If you're being bothered by anti-social nuisance noise,
0:19:15 > 0:19:17you don't have to put up with it.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20If a friendly word doesn't do the trick,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22your local council are on hand to help
0:19:22 > 0:19:24so pick up the phone and give them a call.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Hello, what is it in relation to, music or voices or...?
0:19:28 > 0:19:32So far, Siobhan hasn't had to deal with anything that's bad enough
0:19:32 > 0:19:35for a noise abatement notice to be served.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40As she and Ian arrive at their next complaint, though, all that's about to change.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43MUSIC AND RAISED VOICES I can hear their music.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55It's midnight, and loud music from a street party
0:19:55 > 0:19:57can clearly be heard blaring out.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Now that's bad enough, but have a look and listen
0:20:05 > 0:20:08at this party from inside someone's home.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11LOUD MUSIC AND CHATTERING
0:20:19 > 0:20:21As you can guess, this is the kind of volume
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- which is enough to be a nuisance. - Yeah.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37This kind of noise is a kind of level
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I was expecting to hear this evening.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42It gives me a good indication as to, kind of, think,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46"Yeah, I'm on the same level as what the other officers are thinking."
0:20:46 > 0:20:49So my judgement's around the same level as what they have,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52so when I go and do this for myself,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55I know I'll be making the correct decision, really.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57I suppose that's what it's all about.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Learning and gauging it right.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02It's good. It's good experience so far.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's difficult to know how anyone could ever think
0:21:06 > 0:21:08this was acceptable at any time of day,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11never mind when people are trying to get to sleep.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16At the moment, there's very loud dance music being played.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19As you look out into the back garden you can see flashing lights,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23there's maybe a dozen people dancing, all having their own disco
0:21:23 > 0:21:25in the back garden on the lawn,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28having a good old time, obviously very drunk.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31So it could be interesting to see
0:21:31 > 0:21:34what kind of reception we get in a few minutes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40SHE LAUGHS
0:21:42 > 0:21:45If we can get ourselves heard by knocking on the door,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48it might be difficult, but we'll try and speak to somebody,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51tell them they'll have to switch the music off, bring the party inside,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53it's obviously too late for that now.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Hopefully they'll turn it down there and then.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58If they don't, we'll go and we'll call you back,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00or you can call us back in ten minutes if it's continuing.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We can then draft up an abatement notice in the office,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06then come back and serve the notice on them if need be.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12This house party is obviously playing music far too loud
0:22:12 > 0:22:14and far too late.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16We'll be with Siobhan and Ian shortly,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18as they go to confront the noise-makers.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Just give me two minutes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22No, cos I don't make issues.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I pay me rent, I pay me council tax,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I have a disco for me son, who's 17.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- That is all I've done.- OK.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33In Westminster, Mike Peters is cracking down on builders
0:22:33 > 0:22:36carrying out noisy work on a bank holiday.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38From Westminster Council.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41It's about the noise you're making on a bank holiday.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42You'll have to stop.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47And in Belfast, one noisy neighbour has his music on so loud
0:22:47 > 0:22:51that the team struggle to make themselves heard.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:22:55 > 0:22:57KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Every night, noisy neighbours playing loud music
0:23:08 > 0:23:10are keeping us awake until the early hours.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15They party all night long, and I don't mind,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18but you sort of wake up and think, "Why don't they stop?"
0:23:18 > 0:23:21A friend of mine had a really noisy neighbour,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24just a young lad who persistently had parties late at night.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28She had three children of her own and she just couldn't stand it
0:23:28 > 0:23:31any longer, so she ended up putting the house up for sale and moving.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36People who just won't pipe down and let us get a good night's sleep
0:23:36 > 0:23:39leave us stressed, angry and exhausted.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42You know, when I go to work I always feel stressed,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46and I always feel angry at work.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49In Belfast, the council's Noise Squad are used to dealing
0:23:49 > 0:23:52with rowdy revellers, and are on hand to crack down
0:23:52 > 0:23:54on those playing music too loud and too late.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57If we come back tonight, you'll get a £100 fine,
0:23:57 > 0:23:58so keep it down even after we go away.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- You're going to have to just knock the tunes on the head, all right? - It's not that bad.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06It's annoying three different apartments. That's far too loud.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07You'll need to turn it down
0:24:07 > 0:24:10or you'll end up getting fined later on.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It's Friday night,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15one of the busiest times of the week for the team,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18and noise enforcement officers Steve and Tim
0:24:18 > 0:24:20are on their way to deal with a complaint
0:24:20 > 0:24:21about an alleged noisy party.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The complaint's been passed through to us by the other team
0:24:24 > 0:24:30so all we have is the address and that it's a noisy party, so...
0:24:30 > 0:24:35A lot of the time, it's only sketchy details we have till we get out.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37What one person's idea of a noisy party is
0:24:37 > 0:24:40can be very different from another person's.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Officers have to take an even-handed approach
0:24:45 > 0:24:48to all the complaints they get.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Before they take any action,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54they have to witness nuisance noise first-hand.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56They can't act on hearsay.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58As Tim and Steve approach the house,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00the music can be clearly heard in the street.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03THUMPING BASS
0:25:04 > 0:25:06This is no simple house party.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11The music is blaring out into the night and is definitely a nuisance.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Yeah, it's far too loud for, as you can see, the wee terraced houses.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19One, two... You can hear it four houses away from out the front,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22so it's too loud.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26It's not just, we've got a bit of music on, it's inconsiderable,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28the level of noise, so us, here,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31will leave them with this threat of a £100 fine.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33We don't know anything about this guy,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35but the complainant's saying that the police
0:25:35 > 0:25:38would be in regular attendance at this property,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41so we'll see how it goes when he comes out, if he comes to the door.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45The lads are going to serve a warning notice.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Here in Belfast, once the notice is served, if the noise continues,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53the noise-maker could be hit with a £100 fine.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Need to keep your eye on the top window, Steven.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02With allegations that the police are regularly called to this house,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Tim and Steve can't be sure
0:26:04 > 0:26:08who or what they'll be dealing with when someone answers the door.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09I heard some movement.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It's a tense time for the lads.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Finally, they get someone's attention.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23All right, mate? I'm from the council's noise service.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Music's a wee bit too loud for us tonight.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Need you to keep it down, all right?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29This is a written warning saying we've been here,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31as long as you keep it down, you're fine,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33but if we have to come back, you get a £100 fine.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36You don't have to turn it off, but you need to keep it turned down, all right?
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Gent. Good night.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Tim's been very clear what needs to happen. However...
0:26:44 > 0:26:48It's back on just as loud, Steven. It's back on just as loud.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53You get ten minutes grace to sort out the noise,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56so we'll wait and see whether...
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Sometimes people will blare out for the ten minutes,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02just as a sign of defiance, and then turn it down.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04So if we wait the ten minutes,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08then see if the complainant phones back to say the noise is still on.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13Once someone has been served with a warning notice in Belfast,
0:27:13 > 0:27:18they have ten minutes to quieten down or face a potential £100 fine.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25A short while later, the lads drive by and all is quiet.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The warning notice has done the trick.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31The noise has stopped and Tim and Steve
0:27:31 > 0:27:33received no further complaints about this property
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and no further action was needed.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43In Westminster, Mike Peters is on a mission
0:27:43 > 0:27:47to silence a faulty alarm that's annoying an entire street.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50SHRILL CHIRPING
0:27:50 > 0:27:52He's knocked on doors, called the police
0:27:52 > 0:27:57and the alarm company in an effort to find the owners, with no success.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00He's now phoned a locksmith to try and silence this racket.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Hello, Jason, can you hear me?
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Good. Mike from Westminster, I have an alarm for you to deactivate.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12You'll just need a single ladder, that's all. It's about eight foot.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17With Jason, the locksmith, on his way, the clock is ticking.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21If this alarm isn't silenced soon, Jason will set to work
0:28:21 > 0:28:24and the owner will have to foot the bill.
0:28:24 > 0:28:30Whoever is the occupier whose alarm it is, they will have to repair it.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32All we have to do is abate the nuisance.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36If you have a burglar alarm, check to see if your local council
0:28:36 > 0:28:38has a key-holder database.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42If they do, leave a key with a trusted neighbour when you go away.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Then you can be sure not to return to a bill
0:28:45 > 0:28:48from your local Noise Squad if it goes off and can't be silenced.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51With the alarm still sounding, the guy that called in to complain
0:28:51 > 0:28:55pops out to explain what's been going on.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58I heard this incessant alarm sound, so I thought it was worth a try.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Seeing as how it's a bank holiday I wasn't expecting much,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05so I was impressed to find there was someone on the end of the number I got given
0:29:05 > 0:29:07and was able to come and, hopefully, deal with the situation.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10This noise would drive anyone bonkers
0:29:10 > 0:29:13and he and the rest of the neighbours are hoping
0:29:13 > 0:29:15the team can silence the alarm.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Well, being terraced houses all around here,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I can hear it coming through the wall as well,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24so it has been very irritating for the afternoon.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27With the hour up since the notice was served,
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Jason the locksmith sets to work.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35DRILL WHIRS
0:29:35 > 0:29:37ALARM STOPS
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Ah, finally, the sound of silence.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Well done. Another case solved.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49The repetitive ringing has stopped and I think it's fair to say
0:29:49 > 0:29:51the neighbours are delighted.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Well done!- Thank you.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- JUBILANT BANGING - Thank you!
0:29:56 > 0:29:59That's nice.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Another satisfied customer.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The owner of the alarm was charged around £400
0:30:04 > 0:30:06for Mike and Jason's time
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and they'll also have to fork out for a new alarm.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11All of this could have been avoided
0:30:11 > 0:30:14if the key-holder could have been contacted.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17We've had people hanging out the windows clapping, applauding,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20in a tower block like this before, in certain places.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24So it's been good. That's when you get a bit of job satisfaction,
0:30:24 > 0:30:28when people are actually demonstrably grateful to you.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31It's a good job well done.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The alarm is off, the neighbours are happy. Case closed.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45In York, trainee noise enforcement officer Siobhan Metcalfe
0:30:45 > 0:30:51is working her first nightshift with senior colleague Ian Gray.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54They've been called to deal with a complaint about a house party
0:30:54 > 0:30:57that's playing music far too loud and far too late.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00BLARING MUSIC AND CHATTERING
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It's time to have a word and quieten things down.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Ian Gray, of the council noise patrol.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- DRUNKENLY:- Oh, sorry, have we had an issue?
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- It is a bit loud. What was your sur...- So, all night? All night.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Ian explains who he is,
0:31:16 > 0:31:20but the party holder doesn't think she's done anything wrong.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- Just give me two minutes...- No.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Cos I don't make issues. I pay me rent, I pay me council tax.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30I have a disco for me son, who's 17. That is all I've done.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- OK, I'm not having any... - So what's your issue?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36This lady isn't happy
0:31:36 > 0:31:38and with emotions running high,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Ian takes charge of a potentially tricky situation.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Enough people have got an issue to find it's causing them a nuisance
0:31:44 > 0:31:46and they're not able to sleep.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48So, what I'm saying is, if you can switch the music off
0:31:48 > 0:31:52and bring the party inside. I'm not looking at stopping anyone's party
0:31:52 > 0:31:53but if you can bring the party inside
0:31:53 > 0:31:56and stop the music off, that's all I'm asking.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58But if the music continues at that level,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00then I have to serve a noise abatement notice.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Ian's asked what level of music would be acceptable.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07At the risk of sounding like a broken record,
0:32:07 > 0:32:11he tells these revellers that it has to be turned down and taken inside.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Once it gets to this kind of time of night,
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- the music outside is always going to be...- A bit of a problem, yeah.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19If you bring the music inside and keep it quiet, then fine.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22It's going to have to be turned down a heck of a lot,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24because it's far, far too loud at the minute.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28If you can sort that out for me so we don't have to come back again, that'd be great.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Ian's been very calm and very clear about what needs to happen.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34His years of experience on the job
0:32:34 > 0:32:36have enabled him to deal with this difficult situation
0:32:36 > 0:32:38where emotions were running high.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40They've agreed to switch the music off
0:32:40 > 0:32:44and finish the disco, otherwise we'll come back with an abatement notice.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46So we'll see whether they stick to it.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49If you're thinking of having a party
0:32:49 > 0:32:51and don't want a visit from the Noise Squad,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54there are simple precautions you can take.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Let your neighbours know what you are planning
0:32:56 > 0:32:58and maybe give them an invite.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Keep the music and the party-goers inside.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Shut the windows and doors,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06and have the music at a sensible level.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12With the music turned down, Siobhan and Ian jump back into the car
0:33:12 > 0:33:16and they're heading back to a call from earlier in the evening.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21We're going back to the student party that we were at earlier on,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24where we spent a good five minutes plus
0:33:24 > 0:33:25trying to get their names out of them.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28We've had another complaint saying it's still noisy there,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31so we're going to go back to the complainants
0:33:31 > 0:33:32and have a listen in the bedroom
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and see whether we feel the noise is enough to be a nuisance or not.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42When they arrive, it's just before one in the morning.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43The first job is to head upstairs
0:33:43 > 0:33:46to assess the noise levels in the bedroom.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48RAISED VOICES
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Have they had any music on since we left?
0:33:50 > 0:33:54I think in the background, but you can't hear over the voices.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- Sorry to have to call you guys back. - That's all right. No problem.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01You say they've only been in for about a week, or something like that?
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Yeah. They obviously think it's party season.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I would view this kind of level at the minute
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- more of an annoyance rather than a statutory nuisance.- Yeah.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Perhaps if it was as loud as it was when you called us up,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15we'd probably be able to go round and say, "Right, we've warned you.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17"We're going to do a notice for this."
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I'm not up to get my fellow students in trouble, any legal trouble,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23or anything. That's not what I've... That's not...
0:34:23 > 0:34:26I just want them to have some consideration for other people,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29and our other neighbours, and just... So we can sleep.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32OK, we're going to have a quick word with them again and, as I say,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35if it gets intolerable later on, give us another call back
0:34:35 > 0:34:38and hopefully we can get things turned down enough.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42Ian doesn't think the noise is bad enough to deserve
0:34:42 > 0:34:46an abatement notice being served, but this lady is clearly upset
0:34:46 > 0:34:49and he decides to head next door to have another word.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03When the door opens, though, there's good news.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- Hello.- We're all heading out now. We're off.- Oh, OK.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09With the party over,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12there's nothing more for Ian and Siobhan to do and they head off.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14We'll leave you to it, if it's finished.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17They might not have taken any further action tonight
0:35:17 > 0:35:20but if they witness any problems in the future,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24the York Noise Squad will be serving the tenants with an abatement notice.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27I felt that the visit we just went to with the students,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30with loud voices outside, was quite a good example
0:35:30 > 0:35:32of whether it is a stat nuisance or not,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36and they're the kind of situations I wanted to experience, really,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39because if you make that decision,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42you need to be 100% accurate in what you're saying.
0:35:46 > 0:35:51Back in the office, Siobhan reflects on her first full night shift.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55I think it's been a good experience. I've been able to see
0:35:55 > 0:35:58different levels of noise, and also people's tolerance,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00how they differ as well.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03So it's important to be able to get out of the car
0:36:03 > 0:36:06and assess it from an unbiased viewpoint.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08So, I think I've done OK.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12I think it's a good starting ground to get further experience later on
0:36:12 > 0:36:16and hopefully take more leads of more cases in the future.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Right across the country, new flats, offices and hotels
0:36:32 > 0:36:35are being built 24/7.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It's just constant and I don't think they seem to get a grip
0:36:38 > 0:36:39of how annoying it is.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41I don't know what time they'll come,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43what they'll be doing, how loud they'll be,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and it's frustrating never knowing when you'll get to sleep.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Last year, the Westminster noise team
0:36:49 > 0:36:53dealt with over 1,200 complaints about noisy builders.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Today's a bank holiday, and noise enforcement officer Mike Peters
0:36:59 > 0:37:03is on his way to investigate a complaint about noisy workmen.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06But that's not his only worry.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Don't get in the bull...bull pat.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13As it's a bank holiday,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17any noisy building work with heavy machinery is illegal.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20When Mike arrives on site, it's all quiet.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23That's where it was,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26which is funny because there's no sign of building works there,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29but there's building works there, and there's building works both sides.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Isn't that odd? Anyway, let's see if the complainant's in to start with.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36The lady that called to complain
0:37:36 > 0:37:38explains that the builders have headed off.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42They have left. But they were working on that building.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- That one there?- Yes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- You have a lot of building sites around here.- It's a nightmare.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Well, we'll find out who they are, won't we?
0:37:50 > 0:37:54It's frustrating for all concerned.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56But at least the lady who called to complain
0:37:56 > 0:37:59should get peace and quiet for the rest of the day.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02For his part, Mike knows from first-hand experience
0:38:02 > 0:38:04how annoying nuisance noise can be.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07I've lived in a flat with noisy neighbours
0:38:07 > 0:38:12so I know how awful and distressing it can be.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14You get instant job satisfaction
0:38:14 > 0:38:19when either you turn off an alarm or the party stops.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Mike's had another call about allegedly noisy builders
0:38:22 > 0:38:25and this time, when he turns up, work is still going on.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Hi, there. From Westminster Council.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Who's the boss, please?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33It's about the noise you're making...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36on a bank holiday.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39You'll have to stop. All right?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42I'll give you a bit of paper that says you legally have to stop.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- You give me the name of the company. - Yeah, OK.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Well, you'd better put that down, or do something with it. All right?
0:38:50 > 0:38:52The builders down tools
0:38:52 > 0:38:54and Mike's going to make sure it stays that way.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59What I'm going to do now is to serve a notice on the company
0:38:59 > 0:39:01who's carrying out these works.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04There's a circular saw there...
0:39:04 > 0:39:08hammers... There's obviously been noise being made
0:39:08 > 0:39:09and there will be future noise made
0:39:09 > 0:39:12because they haven't finished the job yet.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15So we'll stop them now with this notice
0:39:15 > 0:39:19and if they then make any more noise, we can prosecute the firm for it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22If they contravene the notice, then the maximum fine is £5,000.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26So it puts a dent in the profits.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Mike writes out the notice
0:39:28 > 0:39:31and explains the laws about noisy building work.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33You can work tomorrow,
0:39:33 > 0:39:378 o'clock in the morning till one, Saturday, nothing Sunday,
0:39:37 > 0:39:41and nothing Monday because it's another bank holiday. All right?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Having laid down the law, Mike gives the contractor a call
0:39:44 > 0:39:47to get their address so that he can serve a notice
0:39:47 > 0:39:51which sets out the permitted time for noisy work.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Thank you very much. Great. Bye-bye.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- You must clear off, now. - Yeah, that's why I'm clearing.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- OK.- Sorry for that, I don't know that one.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Yeah, well, a normal Friday you could work...- Yes, of course.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06..but it's a bank holiday today, you see.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10I've left a message on the main contractor's answerphone
0:40:10 > 0:40:13in the hope that he will get back to me with the registered address,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17or an address where I can officially serve the notice
0:40:17 > 0:40:20to make it all formal and legal.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25and to cover this contractor for the rest of the job.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Normally, on a Friday, they could get away with eight till six,
0:40:28 > 0:40:33but, today being a bank holiday, there's nothing noisy allowed at all.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38But I will give him some feedback now and tell him what we've done
0:40:38 > 0:40:42and ask him to ring us again if there are any more problems from the site.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46It's obviously going to be a big job, it'd probably cost him
0:40:46 > 0:40:49about eight, nine million to buy it in the first place
0:40:49 > 0:40:52and I'm sure they're going to spend another couple of million on it.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Mmm, I'm not sure it cost quite that much
0:40:56 > 0:40:59but having had a word, there were no further complaints
0:40:59 > 0:41:02about this building site and no further action was necessary.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12In order to deal with nuisance noise,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Mike and his colleagues need to witness the problem first-hand.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18This can sometimes lead to confrontational situations,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21so staying cool and calm is an essential part of the job.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It helps to get on with most people most of the time,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27but, at the end of the day,
0:41:27 > 0:41:31you have the authority to serve a notice on them
0:41:31 > 0:41:33even if they're obstructive.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Right, going into the Bat Cave now.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40That's the actual going out bit done,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42now you've got to do the admin side of it.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44I'm just going to write up the visits,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46which will take a long time, and clear off.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Having brought a bit of peace and quiet to a corner of Westminster,
0:41:50 > 0:41:55Mike's job is done for the day, and it's time for him to head home.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's been a busy shift for the Noise Squad.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08KNOCKING AT DOOR
0:42:08 > 0:42:10They've dealt with domestic discos...
0:42:10 > 0:42:12You'll have to turn it down a heck of a lot,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14it's far too loud at the minute,
0:42:14 > 0:42:15so if you're able to sort that out for me
0:42:15 > 0:42:18so I don't have to come back again, that'd be great.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20..annoying alarms...
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Well done. Another case solved.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25..and some bank holiday builders.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- You must clear off now. - Yeah, that's why I'm clearing.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29- No problem.- OK, there?
0:42:29 > 0:42:31Sorry for that, I don't know that one.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- Yeah, well, on a normal Friday you could work.- Yes, of course.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36But it's a bank holiday today, you see.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37There's no let up in the battle
0:42:37 > 0:42:42against anti-social nuisance noise, though, and plenty more cases
0:42:42 > 0:42:45still to be dealt with by the Noise Squad.
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