Pilot scheme offering longer service
A pilot scheme extending the out-of-hours noise service in Merton is to run on Friday nights for six months.
Merton council's environmental health team will be rolling out the service to cover Fridays from 11pm-4am from now until September.
The service operates all year round on Saturday nights (11pm-4am) and has always operated on Fridays in June, July and August.
The council says its team mainly deal with noise complaints about loud music and parties affecting neighbours.
Councillor David Simpson, Conservative Spokesman on Community Safety and Enforcement, said:
"Noise nuisance is clearly a growing problem for residents in Merton. Reports of unacceptable noise levels have risen by a massive 45% since 2009 and that was just on the one night a week when the service has been operational."
Merton Council cabinet member for Environmental Cleanliness and Parking, Councillor Judy Saunders said: "We have an excellent noise pollution team who work until 4am every Saturday night when we get most complaints, and on Friday nights in the summer months.
"However we want to assess whether there is a need for a Friday service all year round. Through careful financial planning, we are able to run this pilot. The six months will give us time to assess whether having the extended cover is value for money for our residents."
January 23, 2014