Be a Good Neighbour - Avoid Excessive Noise
Having a party? Party celebrations and loud music can be great fun for some people but a nightmare for others
We all like to celebrate something special and having friends and family to visit and join in the fun can be enjoyable. Or, it may just be the case you are home and want to listen to some music. However, if the music is too loud or goes on into the late evening, your neighbours may not be best pleased. Please be neighbourly - even with the best of intentions, neighbours can be inconvenienced.
Neighbours have a right to be in their home undisturbed. Neighbours may have children or pets that are also being disturbed or, neighbours require to sleep especially if they have work the next day, so it is best to remember:
- avoid excessive noise
- be mindful of the time of the night when others want to sleep
- be courteous when visitors park cars
- don't allow the party to spill out into the street
- manage the numbers in attendance
- don't litter the street with discarded bottles
- manage the behaviour of your guests, as not everyone is affected by alcohol in the same way and avoid arguments or antisocial behaviour from starting
Did you know that excessive noise crosses the boundary between everyday living noise and what is classed as antisocial behaviour.
Reporting Antisocial behaviour
West Lothian Council and Police Scotland will not tolerate antisocial behaviour.
We may all be able to accept something that is regarded as a 'one-off' if there is a special celebration ongoing locally and be more tolerant to the event.
However, in general, if you are affected by noise and the problem continues, start a diary recording dates, the time the noise starts and finishes, causes of noise, a description of the noise, its location and the effects it has on you. If you feel safe enough, approach your neighbour and explain to them how the noise is affecting you, and see if you can agree on a way forward. They may not be aware of affect there noise is having on others. Keep a record of the date and time and any conversations you have with your neighbours and any agreed plan of action going forward.
To report antisocial noise, contact West Lothian Council on 01506 280000 or call Police Scotland on 101
