Noisy neighbour solutions sought

GETTING a good night’s sleep in Dundee is becoming increasingly difficult for many residents, according to a quarterly report on anti-social behaviour across the city.

A total of 132 noise reports were made to the city council’s Neighbourhood Services Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) Team from October to December.

Complaints were most regularly registered by citizens against their noisy neighbours across Coldside, East End, Lochee, Strathmartine and West End.

City councillors discussed the problem and sought ways of tackling the nuisance of nocturnal noise.

Bailie Fraser Mcpherson, Liberal Democrat councillor for West End, offered that appealing to common sense and decency could change bad habits. He said: “Has there been any thought given about ‘Be a good neighbour advice? Send out the message?”.

Heightening public awareness among those causing late-night disturbances was supported by Tom Stirling, head of community safety and protection.

“It could be that people are not aware,” he said. “Bring it (awareness of making unwanted noise) to people’s attention.”

But as the problem continues to disrupt districts month after month, Coldside Labour councillor George McIrvine suggested it’s time to look beyond the city for ideas to curb latenight noise.

“How do we change that cycle?,” he said. “Are there any good practices UK-wide we can look at and adopt?”

Siobhan Tolland, SNP councillor for Lochee Ward, voiced concerns about anti-social behaviour in general and demanded to know more about how many complaints were followed through and resolved by the ASB

Team. “Someone’s had to leave their home because of threatening behaviour. How many cases have been dealt with: How many cases are closed?”.

But achieving better awareness about reducing unwanted night noise across neighbourhoods may come through improved communication and better understanding of the problem in context of other antisocial behaviour.

“There’s a difference between “antisocial” and “criminal” behaviour,” observed Councillor Lynne Short, SNP for Maryfield ward, meaning that residents should remember this when accused of or making a noise complaint.

Labour’s Kevin Keenan added: “The best thing we can do is encourage two-way communication.”

On residents who don’t change their ways, Ms Short concluded, “If a complaint is closed, there’s nothing to stop us opening it up again.”