What is Noise Action Week?
Noise Action Week is a national wide scheme run by National Society for Clean Air (NSCA). The scheme aims to:
- Promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems.
- Promote communication and consideration between neighbours.
- Enable local authorities, mediation services, housing associations and others to inform the public of services available and to highlight local noise issues.
- Educate and inform both noisemakers and noise sufferers about the impact that noise can have on our everyday lives.
- Encourage everyone to take a quiet moment to think about the noises they make and the noises that affect them - and what they can do to reduce the impact.
Noise Action Week 2005
In 2005 the Council chose to address the issue of neighbourhood noise and was on hand hand to give free advice to residents in Morpeth, Ponteland, Widdrington, Lynemouth and Hadston. Most people will have suffered at the hands of neighbours over either barking dogs, loud music, wild parties, faulty burglar or car alarms or those with the annoying habit of carrying out noisy household chores at unsociable hours.
The event aimed to promote communication and consideration between neighbours, inform noise makers and sufferers about the impact noise can have on everyday lives, promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems and detail services available to help tackle problems when they arise.
Noise Action Week 2006
The subject of Noise Action Week in 2006 was Considerate Constructers. This topic was chosen because in 2004/5 10% of all noise complaints related to noise connected to building sites.
It was decided to produce a leaflet that could be passed to those who work in the construction industry with tips on how to be a considerate constructer. The Council setup a stall in Jewson's on Coopies Lane building merchants to speak to as many local builders as possible.
The leaflet produced can be seen using the document links above.
Noise Action Week 2007
In 2006/7 36% of all noise complaints from domestic premises related to barking dogs. So for the Noise Action Week event in 2007 the Council chose to address this problem and was joined by Scooby Doo in Morpeth and Ponteland.
The event was well received by residents with 130 people speaking to officers for advice.
The Council also ran a colouring competition for children in Nursery - Year 4 to educate them about why dogs bark. Prizes on offer included i-Dogs and a Hot Hugs Duck.
The Council has produced a leaflet which gives advice to dog owners about why dogs bark and how to avoid consistent barking.