Noise equipment donated to women’s refuge following prosecution

Following investigations into noise reported from three properties in Scunthorpe, noise abatement notices were issued.

As the noise continued in all three properties; the council obtained authority to seize the equipment to ensure compliance with the legal notices. It also ensured that residents are kept safe and well in the local area.

The occupiers were prosecuted for being in breach of the abatement notice, which meant the council could take ownership of the equipment and put it to good use.

Some of the poorer quality equipment seized is recycled, but good quality equipment is electrically tested to ensure it is safe and then donated to good causes.

A coordinator at North Lincolnshire Women’s Refuge, said: “I just want to say thank you for your donation.

"These will be useful when our residents move on and set up their new homes with often nothing.

"The games consoles will be great for the children that come to us.

"Thank you for thinking of us.”

North Lincolnshire Council receives thousands of noise complaints each year for investigation.

The investigation begins once the complainant submits a diary sheet.

Coun David Rose, cabinet member for environment and strategic planning, said: “It is totally unacceptable for people to make high levels of noise causing a nuisance to their neighbours.

"We will take action against those who refuse to keep the noise down and anyone found to be in breach of a noise abatement notice will be prosecuted.

“It is wonderful to see the seized equipment going to good use at North Lincolnshire Women’s Refuge.

“If you have a neighbour who is causing a noise nuisance, please don’t suffer in silence, report it to the council.”

Visit the noise control page on the council’s website for more details