On this page: General information about nuisances of various types.
Description of Service
Swindon Borough Council investigates complaints about nuisances of various types.
Most Common Nuisances
Noise: Investigating and taking the appropriate action on complaints of noise ranging from noisy neighbours and barking dogs to industrial noise from large factories … virtually any cause where noise is considered to be excessive.
Bonfires: While there is no law to prevent anyone from lighting a bonfire there is no doubt that, in some cases, smoke from other people’s bonfires can be a problem. We offer an information pack to provide guidance for people affected by this problem and provide help and advice where a dispute between neighbours can’t be resolved.
Air Quality and Pollution: We develop strategy for local air quality and are also responsible for monitoring air quality to ensure a safe environment. To do this we monitor air quality at 23 individual sites across the Borough of Swindon.
Accumulations of Refuse: Investigating and taking the appropriate actions where accumulations of refuse are evident on privately and publicly owned land.
Dust and Grit: Investigating the causes of excessive dust and grit in the atmosphere and taking the appropriate action for the individual circumstances involved.
Other Nuisances
If the nuisance you wish to report does not fall into the categories listed in 'Most Common Nuisances' above, please visit the Other Nuisances page and report the details there.
Taking Personal Action
If, for whatever reason, we are unable to take action or if you do not wish us to be involved, you have the right to complain about a nuisance problem directly to the Magistrates Court, under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act, 1990.
Mediation Service
If, as a result of the problem, you are in dispute with your neighbours and cannot resolve the issues, it may also be appropriate for you to involve Swindon Community Mediation Service. All contact is confidential and they can be contacted for general advice or more involved assistance. Contact details are on the Swindon Community Mediation Service website (www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/cms).