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If I have a noise problem should I always start up a campaign?

No, most noise problems are very much individual problems affecting just one person or maybe their family.

 

When would a campaign be the right thing to do?

If a lot of you in your area are suffering because of the same noise problem, it can be useful to get together. The more voices of protest, the greater the chance that you will get something done. The sort of noise problems that can effect a number of people are: noise from a nearby factory; traffic noise; barking dogs; poor sound insulation in your block of flats; or one particular neighbour who is driving the rest of you crazy.

 

What form should a campaign take?

Sometimes, it may simply mean a number of you meeting with the neighbour who is causing the problem. Or going to see your landlord if sound insulation is the problem. Or arranging a meeting with the owner of the noisy factory. But often problems are not solved that easily and you may need to set up an action group.

 

Why is an action group important?

It can be easy for the authorities to dismiss complaints from just one individual. It is harder for them to get round complaints from an action group. People also feel more confident when they are part of an action group. And it means that the tasks can be shared around and all the work doesn’t fall on one person’s shoulders.

 

Isn’t it difficult to set up an action group?

Not necessarily. Speak to your neighbours. Invite them round to a meeting in your house or in a local community hall. Give your group a catchy name and get some simple headed notepaper printed. And you’re away! But remember an action group works best when tasks are shared around. That way you use everybody’s skills and talents and people can do what suits them best.

 

What should an action group do?

First, be clear what the problem is and what you want done about it. If you are not clear about this yourselves, you are not going to be able to explain it to others!

 

Arm yourselves with facts and figures – but only as many as you need! Don’t spend days gathering information you don’t really need.

 

Decide who you are going to lobby. It may be a council officer, the owner of a factory that is making the noise, a housing association, your local councillor or, most likely, a number of different people.

 

If they are not responsive, then you need to think about upping the ante:

            

Leaflet your neighbourhood

Hold a Public Meeting

Go and see your local councillors and your MP

Make contact with your local media. No need to be nervous about this.

Local newspapers are usually pretty sympathetic to local people’s concerns.

Remember what journalists are wanting above all is a good story.

Put on an eye-catching, law abiding, demonstration.  Banners and balloons are a good way to catch attention!

 

Each campaign will be different. You will need to pick and choose carefully what you do and when you do it. Sometimes, for example, going to the media may simply antagonise somebody who is trying to help you; at other times it is just the kick up the backside that the authorities need.

 

 

UK Noise Association, PO BOX 551

Chatham, Kent ME4 9AJ

Tel: 01634 863 852  www.ukna.org.uk  info@ukna.org.uk