Keep the noise down or face the Party Patrol

8:52am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Lovers of loud music will have to keep the volume down to avoid a visit from Croydon's Noisy Party Patrol.

The Croydon Council patrol will be keeping an ear out for loud parties and responding to complaints between 11pm and 3am on Saturday nights between now and the end of September.

"However, while we don't want to spoil people's fun, we will take enforcement action when people refuse to take notice of our request for them to comply with the law.”

Councillor Steve O’Connell

The patrol which is supported by the police can serve legal notices on anyone who refuses to respond to requests to turn the noise down.

Failure to comply with the notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.

In the most serious cases music equipment can be seized.

Councillor Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: "The summer months usually see an increase in the number of complaints we receive and the majority concern people's parties.

"Most people aren't aware of the noise they are making and are happy to lower the volume when they receive a visit from our patrol.

"However, while we don't want to spoil people's fun, we will take enforcement action when people refuse to take notice of our request for them to comply with the law."

Anyone wanting to complain about noise from a party on a Saturday night should contact the council on 020 8686 4433.

For further information or to speak to an environmental health officer Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm call 020 8760 5483.