Complaints about noise nuisance in Paisley – caused by quad bikes, loud music and pets – have become “varied and persistent”, an elected member has said.
Councillor Janis McDonald described the issue as “very challenging” as she reflected on the most frequent concerns raised by constituents since her election last May.
The Labour rep for Paisley Northwest initially expected most of her work to focus on potholes, bin collections and dog fouling – but has since found the majority have related to housing, ranging from homelessness and arrears, to repairs and noise nuisance.
The latter has caused Councillor McDonald to encourage people to be “more considerate” of their neighbours.
She told the Paisley Daily Express: “I find the neighbour noise nuisance issues very challenging.
“They are scattered across the ward area, not just in expected hotspots. They are varied, persistent and not easy to evidence and resolve.
“Examples include external noise from engines like quad bikes, motorbikes and cars. This often occurs in evenings and at weekends when people simply want to relax in their homes.
“Other instances are internal to buildings or can be between buildings. These include loud music, pets (cats as well as dogs), drug use and smoking in shared space, noise from heated arguments and unreasonable noise in communal areas including stairwells.
“These instances are often accompanied by fears of safety and security. People complaining are often seen as unreasonable.
“It seems to be difficult to define persistent neighbour nuisances separately from industrial and other noise irritants.
“Fears can be exacerbated by actual threats from neighbours or their visitors, poor communal door security, harassment and vandalism.
“I would certainly like to see 2023 being a year where we can reinforce human rights through being kinder and more considerate to our neighbours.
“Everyone is affected by the ongoing impact from covid, the energy and inflationary crisis.
“We all want to be relaxed, sleep well and be safe and secure in our homes. Maybe we can all resolve to do more to reduce stressors, extend kindness and enjoy life.”
Renfrewshire Council said it appreciates excessive noise levels can be a “real nuisance” for members of the public.
A spokesperson said: “If anyone has a problem with noise bothering them in their home, they can make a complaint to the council’s noise enforcement team.
“We will investigate the complaint. If the noise is being caused by antisocial behaviour, and is louder than the levels allowed, then we may serve a warning notice on the person responsible.
“If the person doesn’t stop making the noise, then a fixed penalty notice may be issued. In certain circumstances, or outside the hours our noise service operates , the police can also deal with noise complaints.”
The noise enforcement team can be called on 07768 988186 and is available between 8.45am and 4.45pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8.45am until 3.55pm on Friday.
Outside of these times people are asked to call the wardens service on 0300 300 0380 or Police Scotland on 101.
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