OPINION Golden sound of silence...

When trouble-makers in the community are dealt with by the police, there is usually much noise, sirens and smashing down of doors.

The sound of silence to greet the latest victory against those who make life a misery for folk in our community is particularly sweet.

For those living in Cavendish Place in Silksworth, silence has been a rare commodity .

As we reveal today, they have suffered a “nightmare” time, courtesy of noisy neighbours.

But we’re not talking about the occasional raised voice or radio too loud after 9pm.

One resident, who declined to be named, revealed just how bad the situation was for those living in the street.

“Our lives are a nightmare,” she said.

“Police, ambulances and the fire brigade are at that house almost every other day and you can often hear music blasting at 4am.”

That was only the half of it. Many other people in the street had contacted the police, reporting that one particular house had become a hub for unsavoury behaviour, including antisocial behaviour and various criminal activities.

Thankfully their concerns were not ignored and a partial closure notice has now been placed on the premises.

That prevents any person other than the tenant and selected others to access a specified premises in the street. Any breach of the order could lead to prosecution and – on conviction – a possible prison sentence or fine.

What is key in this story is that people have not kept their counsel, but reported the trouble ... and the authorities have acted.

And now the silence is golden.