View report page

125
NOISE
During 1970 sixty-one complaints concerning noise problems were
received, an increase of four over the previous year. These were dealt with
by the giving of advice, by informal action, or, in appropriate cases, by
referring the complaint to the Borough Architect and Planner for his
consideration under planning legislation. In no case was it found necessary
to take formal action by the service of a statutory notice.
Whereas the number of complaints concerning shop and factory
processes almost halved, those concerning the activities of neighbours and
about noisy animals more than doubled. These complaints ranged from
noise and vibration from the circulating pump of a domestic water supply
in an adjoining house, to disturbance in the early morning from movement
of vehicles visiting or leaving nearby shopping parades or vehicle parks. In
many cases this type of complaint is very difficult to deal with, although
every effort is made to obtain some improvement if this is at all practicable.
There is little doubt people are becoming more and more conscious of
noise and its attendant problems and it is encouraging to find greater
attention is being given to insulation and other methods of soundproofing.
Big strides, for example, have been made with the quietening of
modern road breaking and similar equipment.

VERMIN AND OTHER PESTS
FOXES
There was a marked increase in the number of complaints received
about foxes but no service is provided by the Department in respect of
their destruction or control.
The reaction of the public to the destruction of the fox varies markedly
—while some are most concerned about their presence—generally for the
safety of some domestic pet—there are many who like to see them around.