'Noisy neighbour' says confiscation was unfair

9:10am Saturday 8th November 2008

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A Borehamwood woman had 72 items of audio equipment seized last month after complaints of excessive noise.

Environmental health officers took equipment including televisions, a hi-fi, DVD players, CDs and tapes from the Aycliffe Road home of Jenny McCarty.

Mrs McCarty, 41, who has now moved from the William Sutton Homes property, said: “It was embarrassing and upsetting when it happened as I was not given any warning.

“I don’t believe I was making excessive noise. I have a seven-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, so there will obviously be some noise made.

“Eight people arrived to take the items away and it all seemed very unnecessary.”

Officers obtained a warrant from St Albans Magistrates Court on October 13, to enter the house following a number of complaints to Hertsmere Borough Council about loud music being played to excess.

A noise abatement notice had been served at the address in April, but complaints about excessive noise continued.

A breach of the notice was witnessed by council officers on Sunday, October 12.

A neighbour said: “I think it was very harsh what happened to her as the music played was not excessive. She was mistreated in this situation.”

Another neighbour said: “You have to give and take with your neighbours. We live in small terraced houses and we are bound to hear each other’s noise some of the time. I didn’t feel that the noise was louder than any normal person would make.”

Councillor Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for environment, said: “Noise nuisance is a serious issue and one that can blight the lives of neighbours in their own homes.

“Excessive noise is not acceptable and I am pleased our officers were able to work in conjunction with the police to seize the equipment.”

William Sutton Homes declined to comment due to impending court proceedings against Mrs McCarty.