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What is the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003?

By: Abigail Taylor - Updated: 12 Jul 2022 | comments*Discuss
 
Antisocial Behaviour Criminal Offence

The Antisocial Behaviour Act is designed to address the problems of antisocial behaviour in England and Wales. It strengthens previous legislation and gives local councils increased powers to take action.

Note this act has been superseded and strengthened to some extent by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, please see our guide to the 2014 act here

Section 1 - Drugs and persistent serious nuisance to the public

Police can apply to a Magistrates Court to close residential premises either:

  • Concerned in the use, production or supply of Class A drugs (usually cocaine) and which have been of serious nuisance or disorder to members of the public within the last 3 months, or
  • Associated with significant and persistent disorder, or persistent serious nuisance to members of the public within the last 3 months

It is a criminal offence to enter premises with a closure order in place.

Section 2 - Social landlord's powers

Registered social landlords can apply for specific people to be given an injunction by the Courts, preventing them from attending the landlord's property. The injunction will be given to people who cause nuisance or annoyance to people in the neighbourhood surrounding a particular property.

Section 3 - Parenting orders and contracts

Parenting Orders can be given to parents to identify steps that they must take to control their children. In particular, this controversially introduced "parenting contracts" which make parents responsible if their parents truant.

"We live in a council estate & it clearly states NO BALL GAMES on a sign posted placed on the wall where everyone can see it! Yet time & time again these young boys continue to play all types of ball games! Especially during the summer, they play until 10 in the evening. Recently one of them kicked the ball so hard that it smashed one of the windows."

It may be worth contacting your local council about this one. Unless the "no ball games" rule is a local by-law the police will be unlikely to take action. However if the children are causing a nuisance to local residents (i.e. by breaking windows), the Council may consider asking their parents to control them. Has a window only been smashed once though? If so, the Council may argue that a one-off event doesn't constitute a "nuisance".

Section 4 - Powers to disperse groups

The Act gives the police powers to disperse groups of two or more people who have gathered in any public place, if their presence 'has resulted or is likely to result in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed'. This does not however apply to authorised protests or pickets. The police may also accompany any child under the age of 16 years to their home between 9pm and 6am.

Section 5 - Possession of firearms

The Act makes it illegal to be in the possession of an airgun or imitation firearm in a public place. It is also illegal to sell a realistic imitation firearm unless the buyer legitimately needs it for work or pleasure.

Section 6 - Excessive noise and graffiti

Councils can serve a closure order on a premises causing regular public nuisance due to excessive noise levels (for example a noisy bar or club). Councils also have the power to serve a graffiti removal notice on the owner of any street furniture (e.g. a bus stop or telephone box). There is however a defence to a graffiti removal notice - 'the defacement is neither detrimental to the amenity of the area nor offensive'.

"My next door neighbour has made huge bizarre chalk drawings on the side of his house. It's the first thing we see when we look out of our door or window. He does them on his driveway too but the rain washes them off. However, it doesn't wash the chalk drawings from the walls. It's bizarre and unsightly and is blighting the street and is making us depressed."

If the drawings are making you depressed, try speaking to your neighbour. Can he draw them on a side of his house that does not face yours? You could speak to your local council and ask them to use their powers under Section 6. However if the nature of the drawing is not offensive (i.e. not a swear word) then the council may be unable to make your neighbour remove it.

Section 7 - Travellers' sites

This section strengthens the powers of the police to move unauthorised travellers' sites. Earlier Acts gave the police powers to disperse a public assembly of 20 or more people who were likely to 'cause serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption' to the community. This Act reduced the number of people who must be present to 2.

Section 8 - High hedges

Town planning legislation controls the height of fences - these cannot usually be over 2 metres high but hedges are not controlled by that piece of legislation. The Anti Social Behaviour Act attempted to deal with this issue by giving local authorities the power to investigate complaints about the height of hedges and if necessary order that their height is reduced. However Councils can charge a fee for dealing with these complaints. The fee varies from area to area and can be from as little as a few pounds, to as high as a few hundred pounds. Check with your local council for the cost of an application. Note that if you "dock" your neighbour's hedge without their permission, this could constitute criminal damage.

Section 9 - Powers to issue fixed penalty notices

This section gave Accredited Community Support Officers and Rail Community Officers the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices in respect of a number of offences. These include the consumption of alcohol in a public area, or using insulting or abusive behaviour likely to cause 'harassment, alarm or distress'. The use of threatening or abusive words or behaviour is also an offence under the Public Order Act 1986 (section 5).

"Every other night there are annoying loud drunks who feel the need to have conversations at 3am in the morning around the back. There was a fight next door a couple of weeks. A few times now, tonight included there are people that will be aggressive and threatening to each other: screaming, swearing all sorts of vulgarities, threatening to stab, kill etc."

Try reporting this to your local police (the non-emergency number is 101) as they can take action using Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. Note however that it will be a defence for your neighbours if they are inside and had no reason to believe that their behaviour would be heard outside their house. It may therefore be best to speak to your neighbours and explain that you can hear them shouting first. If they then continue, then they cannot say that they were unaware that you could hear.

Other questions

"We have moved house to a generally peaceful and respected area but as we have two young kids we have been targeted by so called friends of the same age, constantly calling at our house to PLAY.. but as our child does not want to associate with these certain kids they persist to ride their scooters in front of our window (which is through the gate and down the drive!) and when they are asked to leave the property we get stones and anything else they have , thrown at us and our property... How are we supposed to deal with this as they are only kids?"

If these children are acting in an aggressive way (i.e. throwing stones at you), report this is your local police. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old. They can therefore be held responsible for their actions. Note that if the stones hit you, or damage your property, this is a criminal offence (assault or criminal damage).

"My next door neighbour's ... garden is a 'mish-mash' of strange dead wood and log 'features' that he seems to think are attractive..."

Unfortunately we all have different tastes, and as long as the "features" are not considered offensive (for example a large swastika), then your neighbour is entitled to have whatever "features" he wishes in his garden. If they upset you, can you take action to prevent you from seeing these, for example planting a small hedge at your property boundary?

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My friend has neighbours who have been waking them up in the early hours of the morning for years (about 8 or 9 years).They suddenly scream abuse at each other andshout things like 'ow ow ow' and you've wet the bed! so loud that it wakes them up. They have loud distressing arguments at least three times a week that they can clearly hear. They were so worried about them that a few years ago they knocked on their door and asked if they were ok.They both said they were.The police have been called numerous times (by themselves!)and we think they are drinking a lot as often the police appear but they don't answer the door. There have been ambulances called out in the night, then they don't answer the door, and since they had their child, social services have been called more than once.The issue is that nothing seems to be done and they can still hear the verbal abuse happening, now involving the daughter who is about 6.The mum tells her that daddy is useless, needs to get a job, to get out of the way amongst other things.We believe the mum is the aggressor. My friend's own daughters have grown up hearing this through the walls and it's very distressing indeed.They've told the neighbours they can hear it many times, banged on their door, shouted through the wall etc.But it just carries on. They are very worried about the little girl's well-being but don't believe she is being physically abused, just verbally. The mum has had a couple of injuries that we know about including a broken pelvis currently, though we don't believe it's her husband.We think she is drunk and hurts herself. The daughter has been heard begging them to stop. This week my friend told the dad it's so distressing, they've had enough and need it to stop but he just shrugs and says it's just drama, that it's not physical.The worst thing is constantly waiting to hear the next argument as it's very distressing for them to live next door to. Is there anything else they can do to get help and make it stop?My friend is at the end of her tether and the police and social services don't seem to be worried enough about them to do anything other than occasionally visit.
arrow - 12-Jul-22 @ 3:22 PM
My neighbours filmed and posted my kids and put on you tube. Broke our door and more
Dan - 21-Jul-21 @ 9:30 PM
Where can a man and his wife have learned to influence people. If not in prison or a mental health institutition. The government may be planning a lock down but here adult men (andtheir offspring and their wives and parents) have voluntarily not left their yard, front porch. Have not gone further than a few yards /a few steps from their front door, voluntarily because of me. They watch me and make noise around the clock. Deny their offspring from using parks, fields, forests, just hang around next to my home. Hang around outside. Usually no-one here anuwhere else uses their gardens. They are empty everywhere else because they are small and people can be seen and people just usually leave their home to do sport or to have some other hobby. In towns. Well even in tve country side i have never seenadult men just hang around. Usually gardens are for the women to use. I have sometimes sen women but never men hanging around at hlne anywhere else. Here dozens of men hang around not go anywhere like ride a bike to a field take their own famiky, kids to hobbies. They are addicted to me, a strange woman. Dont take their own offspring to hobbies even, they ask other peoole to do that. They know you can here every move someone makes out because just me walnkng in my garden makes them open blinds and come stare in the window so they choose to yell even teens adult men offspring just hang around here. 3 men stop 3 men startit. Yes believe me. I am not megalomaniac. These adult men hang around like tgey are prisonersbecause of me, a married woman. Here adult men hang around on my sake. Dont see anything wierd in that. Hate campaign, noise canpaign. They feel menly like they are defending their rights to use their yards, feel community spirit, hate towards me and watch me, always eyes on my windows, hang around, voluntarily for a decade and longer been just hanging around, not leaving the vicinity of their front porch, all the time outside using appliences and making noise.
Clmmunity stalking - 29-Mar-21 @ 3:36 AM
I can hardly walk,I've a heart, lung and thyroid gland, and my wife suffers with Agoraphobia .We live at 27 Locking CROFT b35 7LD. Our trouble comes from our neighbours John & Pat Vaughan 25 Locking CROFT b35 7LD.Last year because I have trouble walking and I need to be close to the front door.a woman parks in front of our front garden so I can not get near my front door.Any how John said I could drive across his drive way to get to garden.Any how July last year he accused me of damaging his drive.It was 2 long bricks and 1 small slabs.They were not damaged only come lose. Over the years his drive way has been driven over. I made sure I missed corner. You can tell how bad it was his Son rebedded them in 15 minutes. Since July they have been watching us and peeping through bedroom blinds. They open living room blind and sit watching us. On top of that the women in 23 is sticking up for the Vaughans and shouting abuse at us. She uses the V swear at us.i was reported to the police but Mr Vaughan said he wanted to take it no further.At the same time his granddaughter told the police I was a vandal and vandalizing the drive way. What makes it worse is that we have known the Vaughans since 1967. We've shopped for them looked after 2 cats when on holiday to save them money. Now the granddaughter had a baby we gave her toys and even a brand new pushchair.I had a call from the police and told them all that went on and he was very sympathetic.My self and wife are both 71year old and pensioners. It's making us bad .We need peace in fact at one time I thought about suicide to get away from the trouble. I texted the council and they told me because we are not council tenants they could do nothing for us. I did text back to remind them that we do pay council tax.Please pleahse could you help us we can not take much more.Forgot to tell you that a few weeks after the bother I had a mini stroke .
Bazza - 4-Mar-21 @ 8:53 PM
I live on a housing estate, my family keep themselves to themselvesand we all mind our own business, and only speak to our neighbours, my son has just started his own businessand has a van , it has been egged and so has the side of my house , where do I stand , I have reported it to the police.
Icebaby - 28-Jan-21 @ 9:28 PM
Is it just here that families are different or have families changed in a few decades. Like in 1970's all parents were considerate of others. maybethey had low self-esteem but they didn't let their kid bother anybody but were always like very court snd ordered their children, about, very considerate of neighbors and anxious to see that they or their kids didnt make noiae. They ordered them to be quiet dont go there hanging about... they just had this look ar their kid and it was enough at a birthdsy partyso he would behave and not have any more cake . Or wouldn't be a nuisance to anybody. No parent i knew back then thought that their kid was a gift from god and other people would enjoy his being noisy. Or around even. I liked these considerate parents who didnt think they can do anything just because they have reproduced. I liked them being realistic and low self esteem realizing their kid isnt allowed to make anybodys life miserable. That was out of the question. They , kids knew their place and that was not to bully anyone with noise Now parents themselves yell, let their kids gather anywhere not just parks and have no limit to what they allow themselves their visitors their families that visit or their kids can make any amount of noise but othwr people dont matter. It is called self esteem? Or selfish?
Mirandah - 12-Jan-21 @ 3:03 AM
Can bullying be when one neighbor spread bad rumours to other neighbors about you and try to get other neighbour to side with them and they will call officer on you, even when you didn't do anything that will cause disturbance. we are only asian race different from the rest of the neighbors who are all middle eastern on the street. I notice they only to seem like they pick on us mostly cause we will not do anything and will keep to ourselves. I did talk to the neighbour one time but that neighbour just yell at me and he will cut me off so none of my words matters. Even, i talk to their guests, it was the same way too but it feel like threatening us. So, i just left as that and didn't do anything. When we first moved in, the neighbor complain to us, telling us not to park in front of our home cause he can't reverse out of his driveway so we were being considerate and we didn't park there but then he is having their guests park there which I thought we had arrangements about the situation. For 6 years, this neighbour will have their guests park in front of home when there are plenty of space near them. I know it is not my property but should be considerate. During the pandemic,  i notice the neighbor was having a lot of guests more than 10 people visiting their home and will stay for long period of time. They think they own the whole parking spaces on the street. I didn't want to report it and don't want to be bad neighbour. This middle eastern family with guests are purposely provoking us when we wasn't even going to talk to say or do anything
Not right - 18-Sep-20 @ 4:23 AM
Since April 4th 20 we have put up with a humming noise from upstairs flat it’s leasehold may agent said it’s me Plummer ni got said unit air conditioning Or transmitter low frequency upstairs trying to get rid of us they have been trouble since 2014harrassment His wife upstairs saying bugger off nobody wants you herethe gardener they told him to bugger off and denied it.I asked after breast cancer treatment fr them to make less noise wife said what’sthat got to do with it Landlords fr hesr ar useless and insulting. It’s a mess the garden we pay fr thatdoesn’t get doneI’m a landlord since 1970 I understand most there has even been a wasps nest in attic they do nothing
Anna Lea - 16-Jun-20 @ 8:59 PM
I am a victim of community harassment, community stalking, since 2007. There has not been a day without constant loud noises, mostly screaming yelling their lungs out since gathering here has been going on, families can be evil and my children are playing the price. Also constant construction and sabotage has damaged my house and the ball playing and sabotage my car. My privacy has been broken and my children are victims of evil people. Some like to raise sociopaths, they tell them to go in front of my home and start yelling
Community stalking, - 14-May-20 @ 3:08 AM
The house next door turn the prosperity into small individual 1 bedroom flats one of the bedroom is on my front room wall when I play my radio in the middle of the which I do occasionally she complain I can hardly hear my music in my kitchen my neighbours can not hear my music however this is only because in the rebuilding the cavity walls andwas takenout I have been racial abuse because of this
NA - 9-Apr-20 @ 9:26 AM
I would be grateful of any advice? My neighbour who lives above me in a block of flat make constant noise during the day and evening. I can hear them waking, running or jumping around on the floor. At times they can make the light shade swing which is amazing as we have a lump of concrete between us. I once spoke to them about another problem and the response wasn't very friendly so I'm reluctant to speak to them again.I am getting very stressed by this and it feels worse now as I have no respite due to the lockdown.
Sid - 3-Apr-20 @ 8:10 PM
Can anyone help. We have a neighbour on our street who has 4 cars parked and havent moved fir over 2 yrs. The street is now busy as people are moving in and have cars of there own. This makes it difficult to park in the street as these 4 cars never move but are legal. I have to park in another street which is becoming a nuisance. Does anyone no if there is anything I can do. We have spoken to him as he can put the cars at the back of his home,were he has a further 5. There is also room. He just tells us that they are legal. However is this not been an antisocial neighbour.Please any advise would be helpful. Many thanks
Kerry - 9-Jan-20 @ 4:51 PM
I have planning permission for the erection of a bungalow at the bottom of my garden. my neighbour has sent me a letter saying that my boundary has moved and hedges and bushes have been removed this is not the case I have lived in my property over 20 years I did send a letter to him to confirm what the problem was but I received no response. in addition, he has erected a 15 foot pole with a sign at the top saying do not feed the pigs showing directly into my garden I consider this harassment does anybody have any ideas?
Doris - 23-Jun-19 @ 2:52 PM
I live in a bungalow owned by a housing association. For 8 years. I am 75 and have 3dogs Dachshunds. I have owned dogs all my life and they are well trained. The neighbour nk Dr has made a conplaint to the Environmental health saying they bark to much, they bark in the garden when the neighbouris by my fence, not always l quickly tell them enough and they stop and are put in. They do not bark at night or early morning ever they are in bed at 9 o'clock in my room which is 2 walls away from the neighbours Living room. I do not go out without them.. They are always with me. However if the weather is hot l cannot take them in the car as l cauld not leave them when l get my shopping he said he has video evidence they bark when l am out. I have no one l can leave them with. No family they are like family. I have spoken to him. He l feel should have spoken to me before he reported me. As we were friendly. Can they take my animals away l do not let them bark they only bark when they hear people at the door. Do not know what to do
Cindy - 18-Jun-19 @ 10:51 PM
My Irish neighbours have gone on holiday the wife is off a traveller family. My home which only has a single brick party wall is really quiet. Ive been woken up regularly at 1am and 3am with banging doors which is blamed on the granddaughter whom wants to live with her mother who is mentally ill. She cant look after herself let alone the child. These neighbours want my home so they can knock a doorway through so the child can move freely between to houses.Fair market price doesn't even come into it . The local Labour party backs these people in what they do infact those controlling the MP refuse me access where he has told me twice i need an MPs surgery meeting.They say they have spent more money on their refurbishment if they had known they would get my house they where supposed best builders in the locality over 5 years which is questionable with the corruption on the local council. These people are also in the local freemasonry lodge with whom ive had problems for over 50 years.The female couple on the opposite side are basicaly freemason prostitutes.They did havea red light outside the house when i first came hear around 8 to 9 years ago which they have now removed.Again single brick between party walls. Out the back i have a man who is aggressive verbally abusive and threatening again he is lodge related. He blames me for his rat problem of which his landlord will not address them since he has to spend money.He also refuses to allow me access across a specfic area which is noted in the deeds of both properties from around1860.He is also known to be involved as all the niegbours are in the illeagal shoot to kill policy covered up by all UK Chief Constables.His claim to fame is killing a traveller in a fight by cutting a leg artery with a stanley knife. Hes been trying to goud me into a fight over the rat issues . He has also had people on my property that are unauthorized for his own ends. Warwickshire Police wont do anything including refusal to record or logg and crime or incident.Per 4022,4020 Leamington Spa police station. Infact they cant even record a correct name and address for purposes of lost property.
Hercules - 16-Apr-19 @ 8:12 AM
HELP PLEASE MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR HAS A TREE THAT IS I WOULD SAY OVER 15 FEET TALL AND BLOCKING LIGHT INTO OUR HOUSES .ALSO THE GARDEN IS OVERGROWN SHE HAS A POND THAT SHE DOES NOT LOOK AFTER SO YOU CAN INMAGINE THERE IS FROGS EVERYWHERE .SHE HAS SO MUCH RUBBISH IN HER GARDEN THERE IS NOW MICE .SHE HAS A RABBIT WHICH SHE DOES NOT BOTHER WILL ITS SUCH A SHAME .THE HOUSE IS PRIVATE OWNED AND NOT COUNCIL I HAVE SPOKEN TO HER ABOUT THIS AND IT GOES THOUGH DEAF EARS PLEASE CAN YOU HELP AS I AM AT MY WITTS END
BEE - 15-Oct-18 @ 5:11 PM
I have been harassed several time because I have an dog who has muscle atrophy due to advanced arthritis.I get most bother from my neighbour in the corner one accords from my their friends and an elderly couple across the road.I told my neighbours on the corner house when I moved in about my dogs condition.Why it limped and why it had small legs.The neighbours across the road had the same breed of dog and it does from cancer bulging it's eyes when it was 16 yrs of age.The neighbour offered one day that he would take the dog up to the vets the next time I was going after he asked me what was wrong with its back end.He shouts across at me all the time Love ,your hurting that dog love bring it over to me and let me heal it up.The guy in the corner shouts give it across the road and he,'ll teen it love.Let him have that dog and he'll walk it in it's teens. He calls outside my front door your stupid love you should feed it cat food and give it steps to climb.Give it succulents. Your not looking after it love.I give it that couple across the road and they'll know how to stretch it's legs out.Give it around there kitchen table love. They'll clip it for you and keep it all fatter around it's legs.My vet has confirmed that the muscle won't return to her hind legs as the joint is to advanced in arthritis and hip replacements aren't an option due to arthritis in her knees. I don't need this attention but the police can't do anything.The women next door calls me a jut even though she knows there doing it.She smokes in her garden with her all day visitors and I can't even sleep in my bedroom because of the smell of cigarette smoke I'm sick of it but I'm not moving.
Elizabeth - 22-Sep-18 @ 3:21 PM
Kitty - Your Question:
My friend is being harassed by her two neighbors (they are related). The neighbours have bought their house the other four are council flats. They constantly phone the police about noise. She’s been told “to wear headphones” when putting music on, to “not walk about the flat with shoes on”. The police are constantly at her door. She told me she had been given an ASBO but it was just a warning from the council. The housing officers seem to be taking the neighbors side. I get the impression they are very forthright people, none of the other tenants say there is an issue. It’s affecting her mental health and she’s becoming very very anxious. What can she do, it seems like she’s being bullied by the neighbours who seem to have the ear to the council and police. It seems very unfair and I suspect that processes are not being followed appropriately

Our Response:
If she feels the local council is not behaving fairly or has not dealt effectively with her complaints she could try the local goverment ombudsman?
ProblemNeighbours - 21-May-18 @ 11:54 AM
My friend is being harassed by her two neighbors (they are related).The neighbours have bought their house the other four are council flats.They constantly phone the police about noise.She’s been told “to wear headphones” when putting music on, to “not walk about the flat with shoes on”. The police are constantly at her door.She told me she had been given an ASBO but it was just a warning from the council.The housing officers seem to be taking the neighbors side.I get the impression they are very forthright people, none of the other tenants say there is an issue.It’s affecting her mental health and she’s becoming very very anxious.What can she do, it seems like she’s being bullied by the neighbours who seem to have the ear to the council and police.It seems very unfair and I suspect that processes are not being followed appropriately
Kitty - 19-May-18 @ 9:10 AM
Winnie - Your Question:
There is a neeighbour who lives in our block of flats, he has un invited visitors any time of the day/night. They seem to be buying things from him. He does not work and has a reputation in our region for theft from shops. (This is in a local news article) The thing is we cannot get our head round is Many of us have been keeping antisocial records about the comings and goings and that he seems to get arrested on a regular basis But has never been prosecuted or detained he is normally released within a few hours of the arrest. We have since heard that he is a police Informant and has "stitched up" a lot of his Friends?He and his so called 'Visitors' do not have an access key so they damage the security gates and Doors leaving us vunerable ones feeling scared, could this be the reason why he has not been evicted so he is local and easy accsess to the police and they can get all the information they want from him !!!Hence he never serves time. From a very disgruntled group of Neighbours

Our Response:
We really don't know, but if you're concerned about antisocial behaviour and its effect on your neighbourhood/properties, let the council and police know that as a group, you are not happy.
ProblemNeighbours - 20-Oct-17 @ 1:51 PM
There is a neeighbour who lives in our block of flats, he has un invited visitors any time of the day/night. They seem to be buying things from him. He does not work and has a reputation in our region for theft from shops. (This is in a local news article) The thing is we cannot get our head round is Many of us have been keeping antisocial records about the comings and goings and that he seems to get arrested on a regular basis But has never been prosecuted or detained he is normally released within a few hours of the arrest. We have since heard that he is a police Informant and has "stitched up" a lot of his Friends?He and his so called 'Visitors' do not have an access key so they damage the security gates and Doors leaving us vunerable ones feeling scared, could this be the reason why he has not been evicted so he is local and easy accsess to the police and they can get all the information they want from him !!! Hence he never serves time. From a very disgruntled group of Neighbours
Winnie - 18-Oct-17 @ 9:24 AM
Bob Gray - Your Question:
If anyone can offer advice it would be great, as I've found myself in a strange predicament; after my partner and I moved into a property last year, we initially received a couple of complaints regarding music, one in person and once when we received a letter from the Environmental Health team. I explained to the Environmental Health officer who I called in response to the letter, as I had previously explained to the neighbours, we were new to the house and needed to acclimatise to what level of music became a problem, which we did. We have since been conscious of the level of music (which I might add isn't on all the time) as well as keeping the level of conversation down when we have visitors so as not to give the neighbours reason to complain. Now, as part of our tenancy agreement, we are not to smoke in the house, so we smoke on the back doorstep. This leads me to the situation I'm in now; On 3 separate occasions while smoking on the back porch, the male who lives next door has begun shouting abusive language out of the window. The most recent was at 2:00am. Now before I carry on, there is no law saying I can't smoke out the back at any time, plus, me and my friend had just got in from a night out and where having a cigarette and having a general talk about the night, all the while doing this at a reasonable level i.e. no raised voices or screaming laughing as the last thing I want to do is give these neighbours any ammunition to use against me. This happened another time when out the back with my partner (midnight), and once when my Mother was there (11:00pm/Midnight). I recently called the Environmental Health team to explain this and asked if they could add it to their file, which I assumed they had one, but was told there was no complaint filed against me. I can only think that the neighbours prior complaint was deemed not a nuisance (possibly as we had tried to accommodate them) and the case was closed, and they are not happy about this. Me and my partner both work long shifts, with myself alternating between days and nights and while these neighbours are entitled to some peace and quiet, we shouldn't have to tread on eggshells and worry that every little knock or backyard conversation will lead to intervention from the Environmental Health team. To make matters worse, me and my partner have tried approaching them since this began and they literally blank us like we don't exist; how do you resolve a dispute with a neighbour who doesn't acknowledge your existence? As I stated earlier, we both work hard and enjoy our house, but these neighbours come across like they won't be happy until we've either been evicted or leave of our own accord, regardless of any mediation. Anyone?

Our Response:
This a really difficult situation for you, especially if the neighbours won't communicate at all. Perhaps your environmental health officer would intervene and ask them to attend a mediation session with you? Could you write a note explaining that you do not want to intend to annoy them and explain your lifestyle/patterns of work etc...?
ProblemNeighbours - 11-May-17 @ 12:42 PM
If anyone can offer advice it would be great, as I've found myself in a strange predicament; after my partner and I moved into a property last year, we initially received a couple of complaints regarding music, one in person and once when we received a letter from the Environmental Health team. I explained to the Environmental Health officer who I called in response to the letter, as I had previously explained to the neighbours, we were new to the house and needed to acclimatise to what level of music became a problem, which we did. We have since been conscious of the level of music (which I might add isn't on all the time) as well as keeping the level of conversation down when we have visitors so as not to give the neighbours reason to complain. Now, as part of our tenancy agreement, we are not to smoke in the house, so we smoke on the back doorstep. This leads me to the situation I'm in now; On 3 separate occasions while smoking on the back porch, the male who lives next door has begun shouting abusive language out of the window. The most recent was at 2:00am. Now before I carry on, there is no law saying I can't smoke out the back at any time, plus, me and my friend had just got in from a night out and where having a cigarette and having a general talk about the night, all the while doing this at a reasonable level i.e. no raised voices or screaming laughing as the last thing I want to do is give these neighbours any ammunition to use against me. This happened another time when out the back with my partner (midnight), and once when my Mother was there (11:00pm/Midnight). I recently called the Environmental Health team to explain this and asked if they could add it to their file, which I assumed they had one, but was told there was no complaint filed against me. I can only think that the neighbours prior complaint was deemed not a nuisance (possibly as we had tried to accommodate them) and the case was closed, and they are not happy about this. Me and my partner both work long shifts, with myself alternating between days and nights and while these neighbours are entitled to some peace and quiet, we shouldn't have to tread on eggshells and worry that every little knock or backyard conversation will lead to intervention from the Environmental Health team. To make matters worse, me and my partner have tried approaching them since this began and they literally blank us like we don't exist; how do you resolve a dispute with a neighbour who doesn't acknowledge your existence? As I stated earlier, we both work hard and enjoy our house, but these neighbours come across like they won't be happy until we've either been evicted or leave of our own accord, regardless of any mediation. Anyone?
Bob Gray - 9-May-17 @ 9:46 PM
There is a few over here in Wisconsin, who are threatening people for riding their own home made or updated lawn mowers like an ATV and not just for cutting lawns..., They say they are crazy! I am like ..You got your ideas from tractors, If it was not for them you wouldn’t have an ATV or even a gator or a golf cart, so leave Lawn mower riders alone, it’s not your business!.... and I will start a law court case of breaking constitutional rights!... because threats of damage to me and for the rumors they have are passing around trying to hurt my family and job! “I will also call the Division of Motor Vehicles to pass a law for allowing other riders to NOT threaten those who want something other Then what they specify as that of a golf cart, ATV or gator as the only vehicle for riding on one’s own property or going places, something of a law Like they did for hunters... No harassment!” I have also seen some of these ATV riders threaten Amish people driving horses putting them in danger, I am very worried about this situation with all hope that the harassment stops as they have the right to use their horses with safety to get around also, as we do with any vehicle! This is a anti social activity as they are labeling me for not doing what they think should be done and not letting others use their talents for mechanic's and interesting ideas as a way to enjoy their life on their own property! And now we have the" Raven which is a Lawn mower/ATV"that does 17 miles an hour and can be used as any other riding machine on the marketand hunting is one they do use because it has all the regulative lights and other items on any other machine of it's type! I am trying to ignore these certain people and hoping nothing more will come from this anti social "You do what we do or you are being labeled crazy or stupid!" I call it being mechanically inclined and a money savor friendly project, because ATV s and gators are so darn expensive! ATV riders and "Off Road Lawn mower riders" could be a new way of thinking as one and even make money for their groups( Some already do and work together in a team spirit adventure!) it shouldn't be looked at as crazy...It's individual thinking that works in every way as a vehicle for fun or work! And now with world problems: volcanic activity moving in and earthquakes..... All Off road land vehicles, even Tractors and heavier lawn mowers might some day be the vehicle of choice, even with law enforcement( Some are already in the (USA.. Don't quote me on this one statement!) and as they do in other countries!!
Franky - 12-Feb-17 @ 5:15 PM
I live in quite a close knitted little community outside of Winchester. Recently two things have come to light: 1. There has been 4 local burglaries/theft all close together in time and location. (House, 2 vans, handbag from car theft). 2. In this time it also came to light that a neighbour over the road in social housing came out of prison and has since returned to using heroin. He has also been seen checking cars in the night with gloves on. He gets a lot of visitors also. His uncle also thinks it could be in his remit as he has a knack for lock breaking. Now I have no.2 from a couple of people as second hand information. Is it coincidence with the local crimes? Could this just be someone spreading malicious gossip?? I am not happy with the thought of a drug user in my street and in very much a family area. I have seen him walking around both cul de sacs, stopping to look at cars, but not actually committing a crime when I have seen him. I have no proof he is using drugs and therefore feel it wrong to contact the police however this whole situation has many residents worried, especially the vulnerable. Thoughts please??
Twyres - 10-Jan-17 @ 7:55 PM
I recently bought a house 3 months ago the vendor did not declare the noise levels from next door as the reason they were leaving. I have started to hear the rowing and loud music and have called round to let them know. They are in a rented property minebis bought what is the next step if this continues?
Foxbat - 25-Dec-16 @ 7:41 AM
gilera_a - Your Question:
How do I go about complaining about the mess that is left on the pavement outside my house by my neighbour?

Our Response:
Start with your local council's street cleaning department if it's on their/public land. If it's on private property and is causing a nuisance, it's the environmental health department.
ProblemNeighbours - 20-Dec-16 @ 2:07 PM
how do I go about complaining about the mess that is left on the pavement outside my house by my neighbour?
gilera_a - 19-Dec-16 @ 4:54 PM
Jimmyeao - Your Question:
Hi,We have an issue with selling our house, we are landlocked, and access is over our neighbours drive. The deeds state clearly that we have unrestricted vehicular and pedestrian access, yet our neighbor not only blocks us in/out by parking in front of our gates (although on her drive) but has taken to telling prospective buyers that there is only pedestrian access. The police aren't interested and it has cost us two house sales. What can we do?

Our Response:
A court order might be the only way to resolve this unfortunately. Any prospective buyer should also be looking at the seller's information and deeds themselves rather than listening to the neighbour. Your estate agent should be helping you with this aspect.
ProblemNeighbours - 22-Nov-16 @ 1:59 PM
Hi,We have an issue with selling our house, we are landlocked, and access is over our neighbours drive. The deeds state clearly that we have unrestricted vehicular and pedestrian access, yet our neighbor not only blocks us in/out by parking in front of our gates (although on her drive) but has taken to telling prospective buyers that there is only pedestrian access. The police aren't interested and it has cost us two house sales. What can we do?
Jimmyeao - 21-Nov-16 @ 11:19 PM
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