Seized hi-fi mountain recycled

Ghetto blasters of noisy neighbours put to good use

Hundreds of stereos, radios, CD players and other hi-fi equipment that has been confiscated from noisy neighbours, is to be broken up and recycled.  

A huge pile of stereo equipment was laid out at the borough's recycling centre in Smuggler's Way on Thursday to mark Noise Action Week.

The initiative was designed to show people who create a noise nuisance what is likely to happen to their stereos and hi-fis if they play loud music and ignore warnings to keep the noise down.

The confiscated music equipment was donated by noise teams from 11 London boroughs. It will now be dismantled and refurbished for free by London recycling firm New Leaf.

Wandsworth's executive member for environment and leisure Cllr Malcolm Grimston (pictured above on the left) said: "We were very pleased to have co-ordinated this recycling initiative because it sends out a very powerful message to people who make their neighbours' lives a misery through noise. If they don't mend their ways and turn down the volume, their stereos will be taken away from them and end up in the next hi-fi mountain that gets broken up and recycled.

"The council has powers to seize sound equipment in cases where individuals ignore warnings to curb their noisy behaviour. We will not hesitate to use these powers if people are bringing misery to their neighbourhoods."

People who wish to avoid causing noise problems can follow some useful common sense tips:

- Always notify neighbours well in advance of any party, and don't forget to include those who live at the back of your property, as they are more likely to bear the brunt of the noise, particularly if the party spills out into the garden. It is also important to notify those living across the road as well.

- When notifying neighbours provide them with a contact telephone number to ring in case of problems.

- Periodically check the volume by leaving the house and listening outside. Reduce the volume immediately if you think it is too loud.

- Avoid holding parties involving amplified music in marquees in gardens, as these structures offer no sound insulation.

- Do not put speakers in the garden.

- Think very carefully before hiring a DJ. Most are used to playing in larger spaces that are designed for the purpose. If you want a party where the main focus is dancing and music, it would be better to go a venue with a DJ, rather than bring the DJ to the event.

- Be aware that as the night wears on, any noise will sound louder because of the drop in background noise levels. A noise that would pass unnoticed in the afternoon is much more likely to be a problem in the early hours of the morning. Try to reduce the volume of music as the party draws to a close and bring people indoors. Keep doors and windows closed if possible.

People who live in privately owned homes who want to report a noise problem should telephone environmental services on (020) 8871 7869. Council tenants and leaseholders should call the housing department's noise patrollers on (020) 8871 7490.


June 9, 2006