Since my last message one thing that has certainly changed is the weather! I don't know many people who do not enjoy the warm weather - enjoy being the operative word - however the current warm weather does bring out the worst in some people. At the moment I'm dealing with quite a few neighbour disputes for one reason and another, I can't actually put my finger on why these disputes are more prevalent during the warm summer months but I can hazard a guess that alcohol usually plays a part, along with residents using their gardens more and actually seeing their neighbours, leaving windows open so neighbours can hear the music that little Wayne is into at the moment.... So what can you do to make our summer more pleasurable? Please show respect for your neighbours by doing some of the following:-

1) Keep noise levels to a minimum. It is infuriating having to listen to next door's favourite music. At this time of year there are a lot of youngsters left at home during the day, so if you are a parent who has teenagers left at home please remind them not to play the latest Kanye West CD at full volume because Albert who lives next door probably won't appreciate it.

2) If you're planning an outdoor BBQ or party, let your neighbours know in advance, or better still invite them, they can hardly complain about the music then.

3) Fires. One of life's great mysteries to me is why some people want to light a bonfire on a nice summer day? This to me is very anti-social and there is just no need for it. There are fewer more infuriating things than trying to relax and enjoy your garden on a nice day, with the smell of smoke coming over from a neighbouring garden simply because they could not be bothered to take their garden refuse to a tip or leave it for WBC's green waste collectors. Please leave garden fires till the Autumn.

You may remember that I mentioned in my last article about the noise and litter nuisance at the Burford Lea rec, just to let you know that I have not received news of any more incidents since then, we have regularly patrolled that area since and all appears to be quiet and in order. So up to now well done, we will still patrol the area though.
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