0:00:02 > 0:00:03From grappling with our daily grind...
0:00:03 > 0:00:05Why have they suddenly decided
0:00:05 > 0:00:08to dump all this waste in other people's bins?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10..to unearthing the extraordinary.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Wow. It's Wigan's gold mask.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Battling those blighting the streets.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17That's not acceptable, really.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Bringing the community together.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20Hi, how you?
0:00:20 > 0:00:23And being on hand in troubled times.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25I've got kids, we can't open the bedroom windows cos of the noise.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28It's affecting everything. Sleep, just day-to-day living, really.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33In this series, we follow frontline staff working for Wigan Council
0:00:33 > 0:00:34in Greater Manchester.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36I speak to the waste.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39I sort of say to it, like, come on, talk to me. Have you got it yet?
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Like council officers across the country,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43they're keeping us free from harm.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46You're looking at really serious injury, or possibly death.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Stepping in to try and solve our problems.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- It's constant.- You'll be told today that we will be serving notice.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54And responding to residents.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Much appreciate what you're doing.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56When they...
0:00:56 > 0:00:58What was the enquiry today?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..call the council.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Coming up, council officers protect the planet
0:01:11 > 0:01:14from a potentially dangerous chemical cocktail.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17The chemical treatment they're using is toxic to the environment.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19We don't want to get it into the watercourses
0:01:19 > 0:01:21where it could kill fish or other aquatic life.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Take steps to sort out a health-and-safety complaint at a garage.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27You really need some airport ladders.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31I'm trying to work out whether this is a complaint by Joe Public,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33or whether it's by the staff and it's a vendetta.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And use the full force of the law
0:01:36 > 0:01:38against a noisy nuisance neighbour.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39There's a number of recordings
0:01:39 > 0:01:42between two o'clock in the morning and six o'clock in the morning,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45and we will now apply to the magistrates court for a warrant
0:01:45 > 0:01:49so that we can enter the property, with force, if necessary.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51KNOCKING
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Dealing with the concerns of residents
0:02:04 > 0:02:07is central to any council's operation.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10With a population of over 300,000,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Wigan Council receives over half a million calls a year.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19It has a team of 5,000 ready to respond to its community.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Barry Pilkington, Public Health. Can I help you, please?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25It's public protection officer Barry Pilkington's job
0:02:25 > 0:02:28to make his borough a cleaner and safer place to live.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The things that keep me busy are complaints of defective drains
0:02:31 > 0:02:33allowing rats onto the surface.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37And then the problems that they can cause if they get into maybe shops,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40food premises, or domestic properties.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Smoking chimneys, people making fires.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45People failing to pick up dog fouling.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Welcome to Wigan contact centre.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Sarah speaking, how can I help?
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Sometimes investigating a call to the council demands patience,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56persistence and perseverance.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Today, Barry and fellow public protection officer Colin Evans
0:03:06 > 0:03:09are tackling a serial offender.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13A resident who refuses to clean up the dog foul in his back yard.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18There's a very strong ammonia odour. Very strong.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It's not just a case of picking up the fouling and removing it.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23We need the area to be disinfected.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26We need to make sure that odours are kept to a minimum,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and I don't think there's any effort being made at all here now.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I mean, it's pretty strong, isn't it? It's pretty strong.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Subjectively, I would say that is seven, eight out of ten.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39I mean, I'm stood a fair distance now.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41It's making me feel a bit sick, that.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44It's... I wouldn't like to live next door to it.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46And I'm afraid I would be ranting and raving.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50In fact, I'd probably bang on his door and give him some grief myself,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54if I lived next door to that. I just would not tolerate that.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56That is just disgusting.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00But Barry has come armed with a solution to this smelly situation.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02I have a letter in my possession here.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05I'm going to hand it to the gentleman concerned
0:04:05 > 0:04:07to try and gee him up. But I'll also be telling him
0:04:07 > 0:04:10that there's a possibility of legal action now.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15We are down the line where we are definitely considering legal action.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It stinks, though, doesn't it?
0:04:17 > 0:04:20This isn't the first time Barry has been to this location.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24In fact, he's been here numerous times over the past 12 months.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31It started last year when a resident called the council
0:04:31 > 0:04:33regarding a back yard full of dog mess.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37We are in receipt of a complaint regarding dog fouling.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40A chappie in our borough,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44he's not picking up his dog fouling as and when necessary,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48resulting in an accumulation of dog fouling in his rear yard area.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51What Barry found on his first visit was shocking.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56I'm afraid the conditions in this rear yard are simply not acceptable.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58I just want to take some photographs.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I would estimate that the fouling hasn't been picked up for...
0:05:04 > 0:05:06a number of weeks.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08With the photographic evidence captured,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Barry tried to speak to the dog owner
0:05:10 > 0:05:13about the excessive level of fouling.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19With no response,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Barry issued the dog owner with an official abatement notice,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24telling him to clean up the mess.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28On his second visit, Barry wanted to see
0:05:28 > 0:05:31if the resident had acted upon the council's notice.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34That is much more acceptable.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37There's a little bit of dog fouling at the top end of the yard.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38But, on the whole, I would say
0:05:38 > 0:05:42that 98% of the fouling has been picked up and removed.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45After another evening inspection,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49it looked like the residents had finally seen sense.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51It ended positively. That's what we're after.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I will keep my eye on this.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56And, obviously, there are people around here
0:05:56 > 0:05:58who are affected by the dog fouling.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I'm sure that if they've got problems,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02they will contact the council.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04And, if contacted, we will visit again.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Now, a year later,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Barry has returned because the problem has started again
0:06:10 > 0:06:13and a new call to the council has come in.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Having seen the fresh evidence in the back yard,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Barry is going to confront the dog's owner.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20But he's too busy to answer the door.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23He's having his meal.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I've just heard the gentleman tell us that he's having his tea,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30it would appear. Shall we give it five minutes? And we'll call back.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34It looks like it's going to be a waiting game for Barry and Colin.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Coming up, Barry's dogged in his approach to foul odours,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40and sets a deadline for this canine's owner.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Hello there, sir.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45If we find out after 48 hours there's no improvement,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47we will be going to court.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Councils across the country are responsible for regulating
0:06:58 > 0:07:01the health and safety of small businesses in their boroughs.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05This equates to just over half of the UK's workforce.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08With over 600,000 accidents at work each year,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11councils have an important role in reducing the number
0:07:11 > 0:07:13of injuries and illnesses within their communities.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Part of environmental health officer Helen Richardson's job
0:07:18 > 0:07:20is business compliance.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22She makes sure that companies
0:07:22 > 0:07:24don't put their staff or the public in danger.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28PHONE RINGS
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Hello, business compliance, Helen speaking.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35An anonymous complainant has called the council about a local business.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40We received a complaint today about a garage
0:07:40 > 0:07:43where there are some health and safety concerns,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47including there being no supportive chain on the garage door.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50That there is no guard on the tyre-fitting machine.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54And there are some other issues. So, we're going to go down there
0:07:54 > 0:07:56and have a look today, see what's going on.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58All right, thanks very much, goodbye.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02They won't be expecting us today. It is an unannounced visit.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We want to try and see how those people and businesses are operating
0:08:05 > 0:08:08without them knowing that we're coming.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12It can be quite nerve-racking, really,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15going down to these places where you've never been before.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19You might not know how they're going to react to you turning up.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23For her own health and safety,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Helen has paired up with colleague Lynn Fish.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33Fortunately, they're met with a warm welcome by garage owner Alan Bott.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Hello. My name's Helen Richardson.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Hello.- Lynn Fish.- How are you doing? - From Wigan council.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We've come down today to discuss a complaint that we've received
0:08:41 > 0:08:44regarding some health and safety issues, if that's all right?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- No problem. Fire away.- All right. - We'll get them sorted.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51I can see out in the yard that the tyres are actually piled quite high.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Yeah.- Would you be able to show us some of those...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Can we see the ladders? - We'll have a look outside.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Yeah, if you wish. Yeah.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Is this the highest they're stacked? - This is the highest we stack them.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06And these would be the ladders that are used for the heights?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08They'd use them for those. If you want to go to shorter level,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11we've got the yellow ones behind us.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15So, these ladders, is that piece of wood attached to them?
0:09:15 > 0:09:19That one there, that's attached to it just in case it does slip, yes.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Right, OK.- You really need some airport ladders.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Some what?- Airport steps. - The ones with...- They're like...
0:09:26 > 0:09:30You need three points of contact when you're getting things down.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- All right, OK. No problem. - It's not safe.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- If we have to do that, we'll do it. - Is that all right?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Leaning ladders have the potential to slip
0:09:38 > 0:09:40when heavy objects are being moved.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Ladders with an extra set of feet, such as airport ladders,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46offer more stability and could stop this from happening.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I understand it's a health-and-safety issue.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- It is.- No problem. - Like Helen says...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53I am quite surprised, I mean regarding...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I've not had any, um...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00..staff with any injury that I know about, regarding this.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04I've not had any staff which have left with any injuries like this.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07You know what I mean, etc, so I'm quite surprised.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11I'm trying to work out whether this is a complaint by Joe Public,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14an observation, or whether it's by the staff and it's a vendetta.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15I'm quite surprised on this,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17but you'd not be able to tell me that.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- No.- I understand you're just going to take it
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- on the merit you're asking me.- Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Coming up, Helen has more health-and-safety questions for Alan.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32There is a possibility that tyre could explode.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- There is a possibility when I'm inflating that it can explode.- Yeah.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49When we make a call to the council, we want the problem solved fast.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51But, for the council, there's not always a quick fix.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And some of us are left feeling disgruntled.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I think one of the problems these days in this world of IT
0:10:57 > 0:10:59is everybody quotes the website.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Go to a website, go to a hotline,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03which can be very frustrating.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04You can be waiting ages on the phone.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08You go to a website, leave a message and you don't get a message back.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I'm a chef, at the end of the day,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and when someone asks me to do something, I do it straightaway.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16When we approach the council to do something,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18it takes three or four weeks, maybe longer.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I believe, from my own experience,
0:11:21 > 0:11:22that my council is good.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Whatever dealings I've had with them,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27they've always been good and resolved the situation.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Public protection officers Barry Pilkington and Colin Evans
0:11:39 > 0:11:43are dealing with a serial offender who won't clear up his dog's mess.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Barry's been forced to threaten the dog owner with legal action.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52It's pretty strong, isn't it? It's pretty strong.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56As far as I'm concerned, there is a statutory nuisance occurring now,
0:11:56 > 0:11:57as I am stood here.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Barry and Colin have given the reticent resident
0:12:01 > 0:12:03time to finish his dinner.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08They're hoping this time he'll open the door so they can confront him.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Hello, there, sir. What it is, we've had a complaint.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17I've been round the back. And, for me, that is a statutory nuisance.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It absolutely reeks of urine and foul odours
0:12:20 > 0:12:22at the bottom of your yard.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26That is permeating to the properties either side of you
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and they're being affected by the conditions in your yard.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There is a letter there, a self-explanatory letter,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36all about the fact that there is an abatement notice being served,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and what actions you need to take
0:12:39 > 0:12:41to try and keep your yard free from odours.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43If we call here in 48 hours
0:12:43 > 0:12:47and we find that there are still odours from your rear yard,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49we will consider legal action.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It's important that you understand that.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54You do understand that? All right, sir.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I'll leave it with you. Any problems at all, you give us a ring.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Thank you, bye, now.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Me and my colleague have been doing this job for many, many years.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Probably the best part of 60 years between the pair of us.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I think I can honestly say to you,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12that's one of the worst I've ever smelt.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14It's horrendous, it's shocking.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17So, now, the letter that I've given him, in layman's terms,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20it'll give him 48 hours to have a think about it,
0:13:20 > 0:13:21to clean up and to disinfect.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Not just clean up, to disinfect.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26To take steps to keep odours to a minimum.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29If we find out after 48 hours there's no improvement,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31we will be going to court.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Coming up, Barry sticks his nose in again.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Can he resolve this smelly situation?
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Councils have a responsibility
0:13:51 > 0:13:55to make sure local businesses are operating safely.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Can you try and get that shut now then? Yeah?
0:13:57 > 0:14:01And, frequently, that means keeping a close eye on the local environment
0:14:01 > 0:14:03and monitoring pollution.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07We're keen to encourage business to come into the borough.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10But, equally, we wouldn't accept a company coming into the borough
0:14:10 > 0:14:12and causing excessive amounts of pollution
0:14:12 > 0:14:14and turn a blind eye on that
0:14:14 > 0:14:16just because it's economically favourable.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18We have to protect the environment.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Public protection officer Steve Tesson-Fell
0:14:22 > 0:14:23has been called by a company
0:14:23 > 0:14:26that needs a permit to meet new environmental standards.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29The business treats timber with chemicals,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33some of them highly toxic. And Steve can only issue the permit
0:14:33 > 0:14:37if the company can demonstrate that it uses those chemicals safely.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41One of the things they do on-site here is take untreated wood
0:14:41 > 0:14:44and they treat it in order to enhance its service life.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48This has been treated, it has that slightly green tint to it.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52And in a household situation, you would generally find treated timber
0:14:52 > 0:14:55in fence panels, or wooden garden furniture, or decking.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02The timber is treated using a process known as Tanalisation.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Planks are loaded inside a sealed container
0:15:04 > 0:15:08and preservative chemicals forced into the wood under high pressure.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13We're here today to have a look at how they treat it
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and to ensure that doesn't adversely impact on the environment.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21The treatment preserves the wood from fungal disease and weathering,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24giving our fences and decking a longer lifespan.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27But the preservatives used include copper carbonate,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30copper hydroxide and boric acid.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Chemicals that are poisonous to humans and animals.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38The chemical treatment they're using is toxic to the environment.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40We don't want it entering or contaminating the ground.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44We don't want to get it into watercourses, where it could kill fish or other aquatic life.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47So, that's why the containment system is important.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49The way these dangerous chemicals
0:15:49 > 0:15:51are handled and contained within the building
0:15:51 > 0:15:53is the focus of Steve's inspection.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Manager Roger knows his procedures have to be spot-on
0:15:59 > 0:16:01to get the permit he needs.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Hopefully, all our processes are up-to-date
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and everybody's going to be content with the way we run the company.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Steve will inspect the whole process from beginning to end
0:16:12 > 0:16:15before he can make a decision on this new permit.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18The first step is to seal the wood in the pressure container
0:16:18 > 0:16:20so that no chemicals can leak out.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22In terms of the treatment vessels,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25you've got interlocks in place
0:16:25 > 0:16:27so the door can't open whist it's operating.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31The door needs to be properly closed
0:16:31 > 0:16:34before the liquid treatment chemicals
0:16:34 > 0:16:36can get pumped into the pressure vessel.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40The pressure container can now be filled with the chemical cocktail
0:16:40 > 0:16:42that will preserve the wood.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Coming up, Steve needs to be sure
0:16:46 > 0:16:50that Roger is dealing with all of the toxic waste safely.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54What I want to watch is what happens to the residual liquid
0:16:54 > 0:16:57that's going to drain off that timber. I want to make sure
0:16:57 > 0:16:59it's all contained within this treatment building.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Councils deal with pollution in many forms.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Wigan Council received over 500 noise complaints last year.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Wigan Council, Paul Gallagher speaking.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23And today, enforcement officer Paul Gallagher is receiving one more.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25So, you're saying you've been affected by the noise
0:17:25 > 0:17:27in the early hours of the morning?
0:17:27 > 0:17:28And...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32During the day as well. And how long does this go on for?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And it's a case he knows well.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37These complainants first called the council eight months ago
0:17:37 > 0:17:42because their neighbour was playing loud music at unsociable hours.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Paul investigated and issued the neighbour with an abatement notice,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47instructing him to stop.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49But now the noise is back. If it's proven
0:17:49 > 0:17:53that the music is being played at an unacceptable level,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Paul has the power to seize the sound system
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and start court proceedings.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Paul's first priority in a case like this
0:18:01 > 0:18:03is to record and accurately measure
0:18:03 > 0:18:05the level and frequency of the nuisance.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08The aim of the visit today is install noise-monitoring equipment
0:18:08 > 0:18:11to gather evidence to see if there's a breach of the notice.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16If there is a breach of the notice, we've got various options,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20which include gathering evidence to go for prosecution,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23or also we could even seize the equipment.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Paul previously dealt with noise from industry,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29but now he's dealing with residential complaints.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Dealing with unsocial behaviour has been a massive learning curve
0:18:33 > 0:18:35over the past 18 months.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38My preconceptions of it were completely blown out the water.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Sometimes there may be an underlying problem,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45such as mental health issues,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48learning difficulties, substance misuse.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52But, also, some people are just bad.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58The man who called the council has already made his own recording
0:18:58 > 0:19:00of his neighbour's nocturnal noises.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03It was over here one night. Recorded this.
0:19:06 > 0:19:0712:27pm,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11this is the other side of the room from the side of the neighbours,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15and it's... This is just on an iPhone lying in the bed.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18LOUD MUSIC PLAYS
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Keiran shares the bedroom with his wife and newborn baby.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27It's not the haven of peace and quiet that they all need.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35You go to bed at night, not knowing if you're going to be woke up.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37So you go to work absolutely knackered.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39The baby's in here with us,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41it wakes the baby up.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44So, we're all just limping along, really.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46If this doesn't get solved,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49we're going to have to sell up and move somewhere else.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Hopefully, Paul's intervention will mean that Keiran's family
0:19:54 > 0:19:58won't have to consider the drastic step of finding a new home.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- All right?- How you doing? - Not so bad.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I believe things haven't been too good recently.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06No, he's...at it again.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08The night before last.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It literally sounds like we've got a stereo at the end of the bed,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14just playing full whack all night.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Roughly what time is it occurring?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19It alters. Between the hours of 12 and six in the morning.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Is it happening at the weekend, or during the week?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Normally when his benefits go in.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Your see the Iceland van pull up outside
0:20:27 > 0:20:31and they bring all his White Lightning in, and then that's it.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32It's hell for a few days.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36The equipment will be left for seven days.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39It will accurately measure the volume of noise,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42giving the necessary evidence to prove that the neighbour
0:20:42 > 0:20:46is breaking the conditions of the original abatement notice.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50To get away from the noise, we slept downstairs on the sofa.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54But you can still hear it as clear as day down here.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56But...a lot of sleepless nights and tears.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Now the equipment is up and running, Paul shows Keiran how to use it.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06When you're affected by the noise, just press the button.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It'll come on red. That shows it's recording.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14That's measuring noise all the time, because it's plugged in.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16But it will only record when you press the button.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So, you can have conversations in here
0:21:19 > 0:21:21and it won't get picked up by the machine.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27All right, see you next week.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It's a sad thing that we've got to have it in,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32but it's one of them measures you've got to take
0:21:32 > 0:21:35and hopefully it'll lead to some form of prosecution.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38And then the noise will stop.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42Coming up, will the recordings provide the evidence Paul needs
0:21:42 > 0:21:45to be able to take action?
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Environmental health officers Helen Richardson and Lynn Fish
0:21:55 > 0:21:58are making a surprise inspection of a garage.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Anonymous complaints have been made
0:22:01 > 0:22:03about the business's health and safety.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07They've queried Alan on his ladders.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10So, these ladders, is that piece of wood attached to them?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13That one there, that's actually attached to it,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15just in case it does slip, yes.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17The next complaint to check
0:22:17 > 0:22:21is whether a roller shutter will stay up without a safety chain.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- So, if you took that away... - I need to release that up there,
0:22:23 > 0:22:25move the catch, and it will come down.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28So, if that was to come away, or fall, the door would come down.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32In 15 years, it never has. But there's always a first time.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36Alan doesn't believe there's anything wrong with the shutter.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- So it will hold without it?- It will hold.- That's what we we're asking.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Yeah, of course. - That's what I was asking you.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- We just don't want, obviously, if that...- I understand.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50I just put it there just in case.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52The way you were saying it,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I thought it kind of fell when you took that off.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Alan shows the officers how he changes a tyre.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04And then demonstrates his tyre-pressure tester.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08Every tyre, by the way, has actually been checked
0:23:08 > 0:23:11by this tyre-pressure machine here. OK?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14What this does, it pretends to be a wheel.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20OK? So, I can put all types of tyres in here by changing the chucks.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24OK? And what we can do is we can pressure-test it
0:23:24 > 0:23:27to see if there's any issues going on.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Helen's worried that the pressure machine's not safe.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Would you not need a guard on that?- No.- Why?
0:23:34 > 0:23:37As far as I know, the manufacturers don't do one.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Theoretically, if you're using part-worn tyres on that,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42with pressure going round,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45there is a possibility that tyre could explode.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- There is a possibility when they're in place, it can explode.- Yeah.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51The pressure on Alan is building.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I want you to show me machines that have actually got it.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- It's actually guidance from health and safety.- Guidance?
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- So, you can't show me any evidence of a machine that's got one.- No.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02No, please, show me one. I'll be impressed.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I will send you some information, though.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- So you can read about it and... - No, bring it, I want to see it.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Helen then spots something else.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Can I ask you about your tyres up here?- Yeah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14How do you get them down?
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Ladder, and only me does that.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19I don't climb in that handle.
0:24:19 > 0:24:20I get it out and I put it up there.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23The reason for that is they're all scared of heights.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24- Right.- Joke.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I don't believe that.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31I will have to carry on with this as I've got a customer waiting.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33On with the job.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Helen and Lynn leave Alan to his business
0:24:37 > 0:24:39and take stock of what they've seen.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44He explained his tyre-fitting procedures
0:24:44 > 0:24:46and the inflation procedures
0:24:46 > 0:24:51and how he uses the pressure-gauge machine.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Probably got a few concerns that I'll need to address.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58I'll go back and look at the guidance,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01look at the legislation again. Then we'll be in contact with him.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Alan reflects on his call from the council.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Yeah, the ladies from the council...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Better bite me tongue! No, they did a good job.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11They're there to do a good job, such as all of them.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Sometimes I feel, and the saying is, they're stealing a living.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18But that can be done in all walks of life.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Well, he's going to get his ladders and he was very cooperative.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25He said he'll get those within 48 hours
0:25:25 > 0:25:28so that his staff can access the tyres.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Oh, I'll sort it out. Get my airport ladders, which she said.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34That's not a problem. We'll sort the ladders out here.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37There wasn't an issue with the roller shutter door,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40which she thought there was. But, yeah, it all needs doing.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42They're there to do something,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47and it's for the safety of the staff and myself. Bring it on.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48Ladders!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Coming up, will Alan be true to his word
0:25:50 > 0:25:53and carry out the recommendations?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Barry Pilkington has been dealing with a long-running complaint -
0:26:04 > 0:26:08a man who doesn't clear up his dog's mess from the back yard.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12He thought he'd fixed it a year ago, but now it's started again.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Barry has given the resident a deadline to clean up
0:26:14 > 0:26:16or else face legal action.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19If we find out, after 48 hours, there's no improvement,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21we will be going to court.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26The 48-hour deadline has passed.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32And Barry is back at the back yard to see if the resident is complying.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Basically, we are revisiting here today,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38to have a little look in the rear yard area,
0:26:38 > 0:26:40see if there's any further dog fouling,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43see if there's a problem with odours.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46If there is, then it will be a case of...
0:26:46 > 0:26:49The matter will be referred to the council's legal section
0:26:49 > 0:26:51with a view to possible prosecution.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56After 30 years tackling odour complaints,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Barry's nose knows what to sniff for.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03But on this occasion,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07the rain could be dampening down the dodgy doggy aroma.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11There's a slight amount of dog fouling.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And, again, a slight odour. But only a slight odour.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Certainly not enough to give rise to statutory nuisance.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20So, at this moment in time, we will continue to monitor,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22maybe a couple of times a week,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25just to see if the person who's responsible for the dog
0:27:25 > 0:27:26living at the property
0:27:26 > 0:27:30keeps on top of things, keeps the yard clear of fouling,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32and also odour.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Barry will return to check the resident keeps the mess
0:27:36 > 0:27:38down to an acceptable level.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Coming up, Barry's frustrated
0:27:41 > 0:27:44by the time it's taking to resolve this job.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47We need to be looking at enforcement action,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50and that is where we're up to with this particular complaint.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Public protection officer Steve Tesson-Fell
0:28:00 > 0:28:02is inspecting a timber-treatment plant
0:28:02 > 0:28:05to make sure the poisonous preservatives they use
0:28:05 > 0:28:07are properly contained.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09The business needs a new permit
0:28:09 > 0:28:12to keep in line with a change in environmental legislation.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16If the process isn't safe, Steve can refuse the permit.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The chemical treatments they're using is toxic to the environment.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22So, we don't want it entering the ground, contaminating the ground.
0:28:22 > 0:28:23We don't want it in watercourses,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25where it could kill fish or other aquatic life.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31After two hours, the wood has absorbed most of the chemical liquid
0:28:31 > 0:28:33and is removed from the container.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38What I want to watch is what happens to the residual liquid
0:28:38 > 0:28:40that's going to drain off that timber. I want to make sure
0:28:40 > 0:28:43it's all contained within this treatment building.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Liquid that hasn't been absorbed drains from the planks
0:28:46 > 0:28:49as they're transported for storage.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Channels on the sloped floor are designed
0:28:51 > 0:28:53to direct the flow of the liquid into a tank.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56You can see from where it's going,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59it's all heading back down towards the sump.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00So, that's good. That's contained.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Although it looks quite messy and there's a lot of it there,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07it will get... It will get contained in the sump and will get recycled.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11But Steve spots forklift trucks
0:29:11 > 0:29:14driving through the chemical spillage and going outside.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16It's a potential risk.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Toxic waste could flow into the public drains.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23He flags up an imminent rule change to manager Roger.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24So, as part of the upgrading,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and I think in two years' time we'll require this from,
0:29:27 > 0:29:32um...we're going to be looking at having clean and dirty forklifts.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34So there'll be a dirty forklift operating in here,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37and a clean one outside. It's so that residue like this
0:29:37 > 0:29:39doesn't get tracked out onto the yard outside
0:29:39 > 0:29:41where rain could wash it into drains.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Steve has spent two hours inspecting the timber-treatment process.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50If he isn't happy with what he's seen,
0:29:50 > 0:29:54he can deny the business its new permit, stopping it from operating.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I've had a look around today. I've seen the loading machine,
0:29:57 > 0:30:01the unloading machine. I've seen chemical delivery, chemical storage.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07The toxic chemicals appear to be recycled properly
0:30:07 > 0:30:10and the high-pressure tank seems secure.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13But there is a potential issue with the forklift trucks.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18Has Roger done enough to get the permit his company needs?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Right, Roger, I'm quite happy with everything I've seen here today.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25So, when I go back to the office, at some point this week,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- I'll issue the permit to you. - That's fantastic. Thanks very much.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30No problem at all.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Good news for the environment and Roger.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36It shows that we're up to date with the legislation
0:30:36 > 0:30:40and we're willing to take everything forward in the correct manners.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Roger now has 24 months to separate his dirty and clean forklifts.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Paul Gallagher has been called to help a young family who can't sleep
0:30:58 > 0:31:02due to the loud music being played at all hours by their neighbour.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Paul's installed noise-monitoring equipment
0:31:05 > 0:31:07to record and measure the nuisance.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10If it's bad, he will start court proceedings
0:31:10 > 0:31:12and seize the music system.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Back at the office, Paul is listening back
0:31:15 > 0:31:19to the recordings made over the past seven days in the family's home.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Even through headphones, he can tell it's bad.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27There's a number of recordings between two o'clock in the morning
0:31:27 > 0:31:29and six o'clock in the morning. It's clearly audible.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31You can hear the words.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Imagine by John Lennon, Sympathy For The Devil, by the Stones.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43It sounds like Paul has gathered some solid evidence.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49In my opinion, these recordings indicate
0:31:49 > 0:31:52that the notice we served last year is being breached
0:31:52 > 0:31:55and we will now apply to the magistrates court for a warrant
0:31:55 > 0:31:59so that we can enter the property, with force if necessary,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01to remove the noise-making equipment.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07A few weeks later, the court granted Paul the warrant he needed
0:32:07 > 0:32:09to seize the noisy neighbour's sound equipment,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12and today is the day of seizure.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14In case the man is uncooperative,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Paul has enlisted the help of the police
0:32:16 > 0:32:18and is taking them through his plan.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23The aim of today's job is that we're going to enter the premises
0:32:23 > 0:32:26to remove the noise-making equipment,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29as per the warrant we got from the magistrates court.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31We're also going to be serving papers on them
0:32:31 > 0:32:33for an upcoming court appearance.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36It's the first time we've done this for a long time,
0:32:36 > 0:32:38so we're not really sure what response we're going to get.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41It's unlikely that we're going to get a positive response.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43So, we've planned and prepared this
0:32:43 > 0:32:46so that we can manage that eventuality.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Briefing over, Paul and the officers make their way to the address.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54This is only the third occasion in 20 years
0:32:54 > 0:32:58the council has seized equipment to stop noise nuisance.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Doing so means this situation can't escalate
0:33:03 > 0:33:05whilst they await a court date.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09As far as the council's concerned,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13we've given him every opportunity to solve his noise problem.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17But now we're taking it in our own hands to solve that.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19This job could turn tricky,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23because we may have to use force to gain entry,
0:33:23 > 0:33:25and it could turn violent.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Hopefully, the presence of the police will reduce that chance.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31But until we actually arrive,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33we don't know what the response is going to be.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38As we're getting closer...my heart is beating a little bit faster.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Coming up, Paul and the police arrive
0:33:42 > 0:33:44at the persistent noise-offender's address.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47They don't know how they'll be received.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49KNOCKING
0:33:58 > 0:34:01After an anonymous complaint was made
0:34:01 > 0:34:03about a garage's health and safety,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06council officers Helen Richardson and Lynne Fish
0:34:06 > 0:34:08carried out a surprise inspection.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12They were concerned about a roller shutter,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14a tyre-pressure machine
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and the type of ladder used
0:34:16 > 0:34:19to bring tyres down from the top of the stack.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21A week has passed,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and Helen is returning to see if garage owner Alan Bott
0:34:24 > 0:34:27has made the changes she's asked for.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- Ladders!- Follow me, please.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Right.- Follow me.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33The first thing they go to look at
0:34:33 > 0:34:35are Alan's new airport-style ladders.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39What I've done is actually put a chain on here,
0:34:39 > 0:34:43because I'm not happy with being up the top of there
0:34:43 > 0:34:47and having a tyre at waist height, maybe, being top-heavy.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- Right.- We've also put a hard hat there. It's there to be used.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- Whether they use it...- OK.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54That's what I've got.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56That's a definite tick.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59We're happy with the ladders. Especially now he's got two pairs,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01so he can use the other pair on the other aisle,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04instead of having to manoeuvre them all the time
0:35:04 > 0:35:07he's got one set for each aisle.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09We'll just have a look at the back area as well.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Next, Helen offers Alan some advice on the roller shutter.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15With the shutters then, you just need to check
0:35:15 > 0:35:17whether they need a safety chain.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- I'll find out.- Is that all right? - I'll find that out.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24But I'm half-tempted maybe to put a chain on it anyway.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- OK.- Which would keep you sweet. - Well, it would be better.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It would keep me happy as well. OK, will do.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31And finally, she clarifies
0:35:31 > 0:35:34how Alan and his staff use the tyre-pressure machine.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37When you're using the tyre-inflation machines out there,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39like you demonstrated to us,
0:35:39 > 0:35:43can you... Can the employees inflate them from a distance?
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- Yes.- It's just, really,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49if there was anything to happen and an inflating tyre did explode,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51they wouldn't be stood in a position
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- where they would get hit by anything, basically.- No.- OK.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Helen has seen improvements and given Alan further advice
0:36:00 > 0:36:02to keep his business a safe place to work.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05We won't come back to visit him now.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09We've provided him with the guidance that we need to.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11If we do receive further complaints,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13then obviously there will be follow-up to that.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Sometimes when you're running a business,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19things can get left behind a little bit.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21He's aware that can't be at the detriment
0:36:21 > 0:36:23to the health and safety of his employees.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27At the end of the day, it's got to be done.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31If it's done to our best ability and it keeps everybody happy
0:36:31 > 0:36:36and it's all done for the safety of everybody else, let's do it.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Public protection officer Barry Pilkington
0:36:50 > 0:36:53is battling with a back yard full of dog mess
0:36:53 > 0:36:55that's causing a stink in the neighbourhood.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Barry's war on waste has been raging for over a year.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01He's returned countless times
0:37:01 > 0:37:04to remind the dog owner to clear his yard.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08We can't keep going out there and having polite words with people.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12You've got to draw a line and say we need to be looking at prosecution.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14We need to be looking at enforcement action,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and that is where we're up to with this particular complaint.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I don't want to be doing it.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22But if it has to be done, unfortunately, it is my job.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26I have two Staffordshire bull terrier dogs.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28I work full-time.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31The fact of the matter is, if you have dogs,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35you have to make sure that you take appropriate steps
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and pick up the fouling and legally dispose of it as and when necessary.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40There are no excuses.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43People may say, it's dark when I come home from work.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46I work long shifts. Buy a torch, get an outside light.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47Deal with it.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Yet again, Barry is back to inspect and to see whether
0:37:52 > 0:37:56his earlier threat of legal action has been heeded.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57There is dog fouling there.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00No odour, not a lot of flies.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02There is no statutory nuisance.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04It's a bit disappointing.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08I'd have thought, if there'd been an abatement notice served on me,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I would have cleared up the fouling before I'd gone to work.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12It would be a top priority for me to clean up.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Ultimately, I have to be the average man in the street.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18I can't lean one way or the other.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21The fact of the matter is, is there a nuisance?
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Are conditions at this property
0:38:23 > 0:38:26affecting the rights and enjoyment of other people
0:38:26 > 0:38:29to enjoy their homes and get on with their lives?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I'm not totally happy about it, but there is no nuisance there.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37We'll leave it be for now.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41What I want is, not me coming out here two or three times a year,
0:38:41 > 0:38:45but to take on board what I'm saying and pick it up.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Pick it up, remove and legally dispose.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49And disinfect the yard down also.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53For the last 12 months, Barry has been like a dog with a bone.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Returning time after time
0:38:55 > 0:38:59to inspect a back yard that has been a blight to the community,
0:38:59 > 0:39:03hoping that one day it would be free from dog mess and foul odours.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06For now, there are no grounds for legal action.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09But if this changes, a call to the council
0:39:09 > 0:39:13will lead Barry back to the back yard he knows only too well.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I'm born and bred in Wigan. Wigan matters to me.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17And when we get situations
0:39:17 > 0:39:20where people are simply not taking on board what I'm saying,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22it can be frustrating,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24because it's my job to make people realise
0:39:24 > 0:39:27what is expected as being a resident in our borough.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Enforcement officer Paul Gallagher is dealing with a noise complaint.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44A young family's sleep is being disturbed
0:39:44 > 0:39:46by their neighbour playing loud music
0:39:46 > 0:39:48at all hours of the day and night.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50If this doesn't get solved,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53we're going to have to sell up and move somewhere else.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Paul installed noise-monitoring equipment
0:39:56 > 0:39:58that showed that, despite an abatement notice,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02the man continued to play his music at an unacceptable level.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03There's a number of recordings
0:40:03 > 0:40:07between two o'clock in the morning and six o'clock in the morning,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10and we will now apply to the magistrates' court for a warrant
0:40:10 > 0:40:13so that we can enter the property, with force if necessary,
0:40:13 > 0:40:15to remove the noise-making equipment.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Today, Paul, with a police escort,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24is going to seize the sound system
0:40:24 > 0:40:26to stop the night-time noise nuisance.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34KNOCKING
0:40:34 > 0:40:39If this goes to plan, the months of sleepless nights could soon be over.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Any sign of life?
0:40:47 > 0:40:48Hello.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Paul Gallagher, Wigan Council.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Can we come in?
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Once in the house,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Paul exercises his authority as an enforcement officer
0:40:59 > 0:41:02and formally cautions the noisy neighbour.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05The man is cooperative, but is summoned to court
0:41:05 > 0:41:08for breaching his noise abatement notice.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Paul can use what he finds in the house and the man's words
0:41:11 > 0:41:14as evidence against the nuisance neighbour
0:41:14 > 0:41:16when he brings his prosecution to court.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22After a search of the property,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Paul confiscates the computer and loudspeakers
0:41:25 > 0:41:28that he believes have been causing the racket.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Paul takes the confiscated computer
0:41:36 > 0:41:38back to the council's secure lock-up.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42It's been a long but successful day.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49It's a massive relief when something goes as neatly as that.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52It shows that all the planning was worth it.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Really chuffed.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Obviously, we don't know if he's going to plead guilty or not guilty.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59We feel we've got quite a strong case
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and we'll run with that case as far as we need to.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Three weeks later, Paul makes his way to Wigan Magistrates' Court
0:42:07 > 0:42:08for the case to be heard.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11It's the culmination of months of work
0:42:11 > 0:42:14on a case that began over a year ago.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Today I'm here for the noise-complaint case.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It's going to be the first hearing. Don't know what's going to happen.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22It's likely it could get adjourned, but, equally,
0:42:22 > 0:42:24it could also be done and dusted today.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Going to go inside and find out what's happening.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Paul has submitted all his evidence
0:42:30 > 0:42:34and now the result rests in the magistrates' hands.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36The nuisance neighbour pleaded guilty
0:42:36 > 0:42:39to four counts of failure to comply
0:42:39 > 0:42:41with the original noise abatement notice.
0:42:41 > 0:42:47He was fined £500 and given a four-year criminal behaviour order.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50If he plays music loudly again, disturbing his neighbours,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53he will breach the order and could end up in prison.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56For the complainants,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00it means that they know we've investigated the complaint
0:43:00 > 0:43:02and we've taken decisive, formal action.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06The seized noise equipment was returned to the offender,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10but so far he has obeyed the conditions of the court order.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13All is quiet, and neighbour Keiran is happy.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17Since the court case, it's been a lot better for all of us.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19The baby is sleeping through. The atmosphere has changed.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Everyone was waking up grumpy and tired,
0:43:22 > 0:43:26whereas now we're all quite fresh and getting on a lot better.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28So, all good.