Council seizes stereo so neighbours can enjoy a peaceful New Year

The Council has seized speakers in order to stop noise nuisance.

A Rochdale man’s stereo and speakers were seized by council environmental health officers following persistent complaints of noise nuisance.

Rochdale magistrates issued a warrant on 22 December 2009 for the removal of any noise making equipment from the home of Michael Lilley on Henderson Street, Smallbridge.

Environmental health officers visited the house on 30 December and stripped it of its sound systems; including two standard size speakers, a hi-fi system, CD player and two smaller speakers.

Mr Lilley, 20, received his first warning on 1 December because the council had received complaints about loud music being played late into the night. A recorder was installed in a complainant's house and it recorded exceptionally loud music over several nights.

The complainant had been keeping a log of noisy incidents since July.

Environmental health officers witnessed two breaches of Mr Lilley’s noise abatement notice on 4 and 16 December. The noise was so excessive that the ornaments on the mantelpiece of the complainant’s property were shaking. The music was a deep throbbing dance type music where the bass was prominent. The complainant frequently complained of having no sleep at night as a result. Finally, the council applied for a warrant from the courts so that neighbours could enjoy a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Council, said: “Noise nuisance is a serious annoyance that can leave residents feeling miserable. It’s unacceptable for such disruption to people’s lives to continue which is why the council takes persistent complaints very seriously. Where we can, we will take action against inconsiderate perpetrators and bring relief to victims.”

The equipment will be kept in storage for a minimum of 28 days and Mr Lilley will have to apply for it back by writing to the council. Any further breaches could lead to further seizures if new equipment is bought, or even prosecution.

Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety said: “I fully support the council using its power to improve the quality of life for local residents who are suffering noisy neighbours. Let this be a lesson to others who think that being inconsiderate has no consequences.”

This is the fourth seizure carried out by Rochdale Council in the last 12 months. In March the council removed a 50 inch plasma TV from a couple in Rochdale who had ignored their warnings. In October another woman had her stereo and 2 and half ft speakers removed. A Heywood man had his playstation seized in November because his loud gaming was bringing misery to his neighbours.