Crime Solicitors

Sheffield City Council has prosecuted the owner of a noisy dog, after neighbours complained frequently of noise intrusion caused by barking.

Council officers had been investigating the noise issues for some months – including writing to the dog’s owner, Clare Walker, 48, advising her of the problem and asking her to address it.

When the noise complaints continued, the council served an abatement notice on Ms Walker. Despite receiving the notice, Ms Walker failed to resolve the problem and complaints about her dog barking continued.

Officers provided the complainant with recording equipment and in one week identified 12 instances of noise, which were so severe that it was considered the notice had been breached.

At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, Claire Walker – of Birch Tree Road in Stocksbridge – was found guilty in her absence. She was fined £50, with costs of £50 and a victim surcharge of £20.

After the hearing, Sheffield City Council’s Head of Environmental Regulation, Ian Ashmore, said:

“Our officers go to extraordinary lengths to resolve noise complaints. They will provide help and advice to all parties in a bid to avoid court action.

“But if they cannot get any voluntary improvements, they will have to issue an abatement notice.

“If the complaints continue, then we will take the matter to court – as this case proves.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on disputes between neighbours, including antisocial behaviour, nuisance, harassment and verbal or physical abuse.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our housing lawyers are also able to advise on:

• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Local Authority housing
• Right-to-Buy
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law – including nuisance neighbours or antisocial behaviour – call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.