Love thy neighbour
West Oxfordshire District Council is asking residents to be neighbourly and considerate as we spend more time at home.
Due to the Coronavirus lockdown there are more people at home and with the days becoming longer residents are being urged to be extra considerate towards each other.
The council is asking residents to ensure noise is kept to a minimum, in particular dog barking and loud music.
Rubbish, recycling and garden waste collection services are still operating but if residents have an accumulation of rubbish at this time please stack or bag it for disposal when the current emergency is over and where possible please compost garden waste.
The council regularly deals with complaints of neighbour nuisance but the vast majority of cases are dealt with between neighbours.
The council is also urging residents not to light bonfires. Coronavirus can cause serious respiratory problems which could be made much worse if a sufferer is exposed to smoke.
If you are affected by nuisances such as smoke from bonfires or nuisance noise, the first action to take is to go directly to the person causing the problem and tell them that you are being disturbed. As we are all practising social distancing right now, please stay safe and remain at least two metres apart if talking with neighbours.
More information and a helpful letter template for neighbours can be found at: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/environment/noise-pests-pollution-and-air-quality/noise-and-other-nuisances/
If the problem persists, residents can make a complaint though the council and they will be asked to keep a log for a period of three weeks.
Cllr Norman MacRae, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “We have a wonderful community spirit here in West Oxfordshire and I would encourage residents to give some extra thought for each other at this time.
“By being considerate to our neighbours we can help make staying at home more bearable for everyone.”