In response to the letter Turning a deaf ear to noise agony (Have Your Say, October 26), Environ-mental Health is able to investigate complaints about noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
We treat all complaints received by members of the public very seriously and that is why, as part of the process, we ask residents to keep records of the dates and times that they are most affected.
Where there is an ongoing issue the evidence provides more detail about when the problem is occurring so that officers can try to witness the nuisance.
This information helps to provide further evidence in preparation for taking formal action if required and also discourages unfounded calls. Officers will carry out monitoring on several occasions once the noise forms are received to try and witness the complaint.
If witnessing the complaint proves difficult, noise monitoring equipment can be used.
Where officers do not feel that the evidence is strong enough to pursue legal action customers are advised that they can take their own private action.
We work closely with the RSPCA where there are issues regarding animal welfare, as well as with the police.
Rob White, head of regulatory services, Bournemouth Borough Council
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