'Noisy party patrol' to keep summer quiet

5:37am Wednesday 16th May 2007

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A council "noisy party patrol" has been launched to keep a lid on rowdy gatherings during the summer.

From now until September, a Croydon Council environmental health officer will be patrolling the borough every Saturday night keeping an ear out for loud parties and responding to complaints about excessive noise between 11am and 3am.

The patrol will be calling on properties and asking people to turn the noise down.

Anyone who refuses could get anything from a verbal warning to a fine of up to £5,000.

Deputy council leader Steve O'Connell said residents could avoid trouble for themselves and their neighbours by keeping the volume down, particularly after 11pm, stopping parties from spilling outside after 11pm and asking guests to leave quietly at the end of the event.

"In the summer we receive an increased amount of complaints about neighbours holding noisy parties, including barbecues," Coun O'Connell said.

"Most people aren't aware of the noise they are making and are happy to lower the volume when they receive a visit from our patrol.

"However, while we don't want to spoil people's fun, we will take enforcement action when people refuse to take notice of our request for them to comply with the law."

To complain about a noisy party on a Saturday night, contact the council on 020 8686 4433.

For further information or to speak to an environmental health officer Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, call 020 8760 5483.