Noisiest areas of borough revealed
MERSEY ward in Runcorn is the noisiest neighbourhood in Halton according to data released under the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA).
The area, which covers the town centre plus parts of Higher Runcorn, had 64 complaints from residents over loud sounds in 2019 – about 9% of the total for the borough. It was followed by Appleton in Widnes on 63, Riverside in Widnes (48), then Grange in Runcorn and Halton View in Widnes in joint fourth place (both 42).
However, there were 122 noise complaints where the location was not specified – 17% of the total 722 grievances raised across Halton.
Beechwood in Runcorn was the quietest neighbourhood with just four complaints during the entire year, equivalent to one in each season.
Hale was the next quietest on five, with Windmill Hill in Runcorn next along on seven. The average was 29 per ward.
Music was the main reason residents took their displeasure to Halton Borough Council, leading to 178 complaints – a quarter of the total.
Next were barking dogs on 162 (22% of the total), people talking or shouting on 136, unidentified noises caused 75 complaints (10%), then vehicle noise and machinery – each with 30 complaints.
Halton Council has said that for noise to count as statutory nuisance, it must either unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or injure health or be likely to injure health.
The full list of noise complaints by ward was: Appleton, 63; Beechwood, 4; Birchfield, 18; Broadheath, 36; Halton Castle, 21; Daresbury, 17; Ditton, 31; Farnworth, 38; Grange, 42; Halton Brook, 30; Halton Lea, 24; Halton View, 42; Hale, 5; Heath, 37; Hough Green, 15; Kingsway, 24; Mersey, 64; Norton North, 17; Norton South, 17; Riverside, 48; Windmill Hill, 7; not specified, 122; total, 722.
The number of complaints by type were: alarm, 21; barking dog, 162; other birds and animals, 9; machinery, 30; plant (construction), 41; people talking or shouting, 136; music, 178; party, 19; tv or radio, 4; fireworks, 3; shooting, 2; vehicle noise, 30, vehicle repairs, 3; DIY, 8; low frequency, 1; other unidentified, 75.