Lib Dems Demand Commitment to Out of Hours Noise Service

3.36.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Dec 2005

Lib Dems on the borough Council have called for an extension of the councils out of hours noise service which is scheduled to be discontinued next summer.

The service, which came into existence following suggestions from members of the Environment committee, was established on a twelve month trial, to tackle noise complaints on Friday and Saturday nights.

At Tuesday nights Environment meeting it was recommended that the service be given an extension at least until March 2007, without the need for any additional cost implications.

Speaking after the meeting, Lib Dem Spokesperson and Chair of the meeting, Judith Cunningham said:

"Nuisance noise is a serious problem wherever it occurs, but it's particularly bad when it persists late at night. Such action is completely anti-social and needs to be tackled. We finally have a service up and running and already there are suggestions that we stop it next summer. In the first two months alone we have had over 55 requests for assistance. Over the Summer I expect demand to be even higher when windows are open and barbecues take place. To cut the service back at this stage sends out completely the wrong message."

The recommendation will now go forward to the Mayor's cabinet for a final decision.