Thousands of pounds worth of noise equipment including amplifiers, speakers and turntables – all capable of producing very loud bass music – has been seized from a flat in Highbridge by Sedgemoor District Council’s Environmental Health Team.
The council says the over the past months there have been regular complaints about loud levels of music coming from the flat and there have also been complaints of noise from various neighbours since 2010.
Environmental Health Officers described the levels of noise as being loud drum and bass music, which proved to be very distressing to neighbours and often affected their sleep and health.
“The occupant was warned on several occasions by Environmental Health and Stonewater Housing Association, who own the property, to keep noise to a reasonable level,” said council spokesperson Claire Faun.
“However, all warnings were completely ignored and severe disturbance was caused to others living in the building.”
“An Abatement Notice was served on the person responsible and again this was ignored on a regular basis. After obtaining a warrant, the property was entered with the assistance of Avon and Somerset Police and Stonewater and all equipment capable of producing the noise nuisance was seized.”
A prosecution is being taken by the council for breach of a noise abatement notice and the council will seek a confiscation order to dispose of the seized equipment.
This operation demonstrates Sedgemoor District Council’s willingness, where appropriate, to use its full range of enforcement powers to tackle this sort anti-social and nuisance behaviour which can seriously affect the quality of people’s lives.
