Council officers seized sound equipment, including a radio, stereo and speakers, from a property in Rogation Close, Stanway, yesterday (12 July 2018).
Officers from Colchester Borough Council’s Environmental Protection team and Colchester Borough Homes’ Anti-social Behaviour team acted in response to complaints from neighbouring properties that excessive music had been heard playing continuously despite the occupier leaving the property at 17:10 on Tuesday (10 July).
Officers determined the radio had been playing at a level considered to be a statutory noise nuisance and was likely to prevent residents from sleeping.
When efforts to contact the occupier proved unsuccessful – and with residents facing another night of disturbed sleep – a decision was taken to apply for a warrant to enter the property and seize the equipment.
The action was supported by the Police and followed a history of noise complaints by neighbours about the property, where a Noise Abatement Notice had already been served on the occupier.
Colchester Borough Council will now look to pursue a prosecution and apply for a Forfeiture Order on the equipment.
Councillor Tina Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, warned the council will use the powers at its disposal, including seizure, to protect residents’ quality of life, adding: “Actions like this send out a clear message to individuals who fail to heed a noise abatement notice and continue to cause nuisance to their neighbours.
“Excessive noise and anti-social behaviour make peoples’ lives a misery and can lead to significant stress and even ill health for those affected.
“I would urge residents to show consideration to their neighbours, so that we can all enjoy our lives free from the disruption of excessive noise.”
ENDS