Neighbourly Advice

Bad neighbours are a big nuisance. They can make everyone's life miserable. But often they don't realise or understand what problems they are causing for the people who have to live near to them. Here are a few tips to help you to show consideration for your new neighbours.

Behaviour

Bad language, unruly children, thoughtless visitors, leaving security doors open, poor parking, car repairing, DIY can all cause nuisance.

THINK: Is the behaviour of you or your children or your visitors likely to upset your neighbours? If it is, then be more thoughtful.

Pets

Chirping, growling and barking, biting neighbours and visitors, roaming around and fouling paths and common areas. Other people's pets can cause fear, upset, injury or disease.

THINK: Have you got your pet properly under control or if you are thinking of getting a pet, have you really got the patience and time to train and look after it properly? If the answer is no, then don't get any more pets and take steps to train any pets you already have.

Noise

Shouting, banging doors, quarrelling, loud music or TV's. Either too much noise or noise at the wrong times can be a real nuisance.

THINK: Will your noise bother your neighbour? If it will, then turn it down.

Illegal Activities

Dealing and using illegal drugs, handling stolen property, violence and threats of violence, sexual or racial harassment, intimidation, damage to property.

THINK: Do you want to keep your home? If the answer is yes, then make sure that neither you nor your family or visitors get involved with illegal activities in and around your home.

Remember

You will be much happier in your new home if you get on with your neighbours. They will have been sent similar information to this to encourage them to show you consideration too. However, if they are doing something which is becoming a nuisance, then take this action:

1. Talk to your neighbour pointing out what is causing you a problem.

If nothing happens- .

2. Put it in writing reminding them you have already asked them to stop.

If there is still no improvement- .

3. Contact Coast and Countryside Housing Services to make a neighbour complaint or download and fill in the complaint form available here.

Don't forget, everybody needs good neighbours and with a bit of effort good neighbours can become good friends.