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114
Wasps
The year was an average one for wasps, 396 complaints being received
as compared with 223 in 1966 and 859 in 1965.
No serious difficulties were encountered in dealing with the nests,
apart from those in inaccessible places such as under eaves and in confined
roof spaces. In some cases of this kind evening visits were necessary.
NOISE
The noise arising from the increasing use of power driven appliances
in industry commerce and home has become one of the major environmental
problems of this day and age and, like the noise from aircraft and
the noise from heavy vehicles, it gives rise to problems that are not easy
to resolve. There are, however, sources of noise that are equally disturbing,
that need present no problems, for example; the slamming of car doors
at night; the blaring of loud speakers; the careless use of transisters sets;
the motor cycle enthusiasts whose spare time is devoted to the tuning and
unnecessary revving up of engines; and the activities of many do-it-yourself
enthusiasts. With a little thought for the comfort and welfare of others,
no inconvenience or annoyance need arise from any of these; but they are
matters of which complaints are received. It is surprising, too, how often
these comparatively trivial or minor issues lead to the relationship between
neighbours becoming strained, even to the point of retaliatory measures
being taken, and this is always unfortunate.
During 1967, fifty complaints were received about noise problems.
These were dealt with either by the giving of advice or by the taking of
informal action and, by reason of intrusive noise becoming more noticeable
and more troublesome as the general level of the noise created during
the normal working day decreases, many of the enquiries and investigations
into these complaints were made during the evening, and some during
night hours.
In no case was it necessary to take statutory action under the
provisions of the Noise Abatement Act 1960, or the appropriate byelaws
of Good Rule and Government.
From the statistical summary at the end of this Report it will be seen
that only one complaint was received about the use of chimes or similar
devices by itinerant vendors of ice-cream. Nevertheless, a letter was sent
to all such traders operating in the Borough, advising them of the relevant
provisions of the Noise Abatement Act 1960 and seeking their co-operation
in the proper use of amplified advertising appliances.
Increased attention was paid to the noise emitted by road-breaking
equipment and, wherever possible, operators were asked to fit suitable
mufflers, thus reducing the amplitude of the noise, particularly in the higher
and more annoying frequencies. On this particular matter consultations
are taking place with a view to the insertion of a clause in all contracts and
permits issued by the Council, calling (unless there are special circumstances)
for the use of suitable mufflers on road-breaking equipment.