Environmental Protection Team

The Environmental Protection Team deal with an increasing number of complaints ranging from noisy neighbours and barking dogs to industrial noise from large factories. Complaints are investigated by the team's officers using sophisticated monitoring and recording equipment where necessary.

In new developments, noise prevention is better than cure and liaison with our colleagues in Development Control ensures that new developments are designed to prevent disturbance and complaint.

Noise Problems

Noise problems can be extremely serious and can lead to stress and ill-health. For information on how we can help with noise problems please see our nuisance advice pack. If you think you may have caused a noise problem or if you have received a complaint from a neighbour, our frequently asked questions advice sheets will be of use to you. Noise from barking dogs can be very intrusive and we have a specific advice pack on how to reduce dog barking problems. Noise from cockerels can have a similar intrusive effect please refer to our advice leaflet on cockerel noise for guidance.

Firework Noise

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 restricts the use and sale of fireworks. Other than this, there is no specific law to deal with noise nuisance caused by fireworks. The ordinary noise nuisance laws may not be applicable to firework noise as a nuisance in law must be a continuous state of affairs. A one off firework event is unlikely to be considered a nuisance.

Firework control lies with Swindon Borough Council and the Police. The Firework Regulations 2004 controls the sale and use of fireworks whereby the Trading Standards Department of Swindon Borough Council enforces the control of the ‘sale’ and Wiltshire Police enforces the 'use' of fireworks .

Fireworks are used to celebrate significant cultural or religious ceremonies, this would be the view taken by any court in relation to fireworks used during this period. See our firework advice leaflet for further information.

Bonfire Problems

Bonfires are a common source of complaints. See our bonfire advice pack for information on how we can help. Other sources of complaint can come from over-flowing and damaged drains, accumulations of refuse and many other reasons. Where these matters are brought to the attention of the team they will be investigated and the necessary action taken to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

Investigation of Complaints

Please note that Swindon Borough Council has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to investigate any complaint about a possible nuisance. As such your problems are the reason the team exists so please never hesitate to call us. For service requests via e-mail please use ep@swindon.gov.uk Our service standard is to respond to new complaints within 2 working days.

Community Mediation Service

If you have neighbour problems an alternate route for advice or help is the local community mediation group. This is a free confidential service run by a local charity. Please do not hesitate to call them for advice or assistance.