Second noise nuisance notification.

[chrismahon]

Guess the next door neighbours didn't like Arnold, the large Blue Laced Wyandotte, competing with Bottom, our pet Buff Orpington. Can't say we liked it much either to be honest, but we didn't have the benefit of a solid 9" brick wall between us and them.

Can't say I'm at all bothered this time. Arnold is back down in the Orchard anyway and is hobbling much better now. Of course the neighbours don't know we leave on 31st August either.

The Council's practical advice sheet says:-
"Cockerels are not required for hens to lay eggs". Of course if you are a breeder you wouldn't get far without one. And my favourite suggestion "The coop ceiling can be lowered to prevent the cockerel throwing his head back and crowing (or a high perch can be used to the same effect)." It's going to be a lot easier to raise a perch than lower a ceiling isn't it!!!!!! Of course this 'old wives tale' doesn't work -they either jump onto the floor to crow or crow sitting down (as Arnold did, sitting on the settee at the time in the lounge upstairs).

I won't even bother replying to their letter. They didn't reply to me last time. Has anyone actually been prosecuted for a crowing cockerel, or is this all threat? Last time I heard of someone who got to Court and the Barrister representing the Council told them "It shouldn't have gone this far as there is insufficient evidence for a case" and it was dropped there and then!!! This is what they spend our Council Tax on.

 

[Margaid]

How long is it between the notifications Chris? Does this letter threaten prosecution? You could (if you can be bothered) ring the council and tell them he had to be brought indoors for animal welfare reasons.

We had a problem several yeasr ago with bonfires. We were clearing an overgrown garden which needed several bonfires and a neighbour complained. The advice from the council was to tie stuff in bundles and put it out for the dustmen (you couls then) but I pointed out there were rose prunings with inch big thorns and that wouldn't be safe I was told to "save it all up and have one big bonfire". So we did, and guess what, the neighbour complained again and I took great delight in telling the council I was following their advice.

You might find this helpful, or look at your local council's website and see what action they say they will take when they receive a complaint.
http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/noise/environmental-noise/noise-pollution

But there again if you're escaping from your horrible neighbours it may not be worth the effort.

 

[Margaid]

This has sparked me off a bit and anyway it's horrible outside and I like finding out about things.

What have they actually sent you Chris? Is it a Noise Abatement Notice or just a letter, ie have they told you you have 21 days to appeal? If it is an NAN it would eventually go to the magistrates court. If Arnold is back in the orchard does this mean the "nuisance" has stopped? (Glad his leg is getting better).. if that is the case it may be worth just a short letter (or quick 'phone call but make a note of who you speak to, date etc) to explain why the nuisance occurred and that it has now stopped.

That should mean their records will show that you have complied.

BTW have the neoghbours ever approached you directly about the crowing? Courts tend not to like people who don't exhaust all other avenues to solve a problem before initiating court action.

I've just goggled "staffordshire council noise pollution" but I don't know which area you are. I had forgotten that the coucnil has to determine that there is a Statutory Nuisance which they do by getting the complainant to fill in a log sheet. Of course they may have already done this as Arnold has been indoors for a while.

The next action that may be taken against you will depend very much on what the council have done so far - it may be necessary or advantageous to tell the council (possibly in confidence so they don't tell your neighbours) that you are leaving - they won't want to waste money trying to stop a noise which is going to stop anyway.

Probably rambled on too long but good luck anyway.

 

[chrismahon]

Thanks all. Let them get on with it, I'm busy.

A complaint about a bonfire will certainly follow as they complain about anything and everything. Been trying to drive us out for 12 years. Basically almost all the neighbours are full of s**t and I have absolutely nothing to do with any of them. They moved here for the address; we just liked the pub over the road!