In a typical year Wigan Council''s Public Health Department can receive more than 1,000 complaints from irate members.

But, with a bit of common sense and consideration, most of it can be avoided.

That is the message coming from the council''s public health team who will soon be shouting about volume control during national Noise Action Week.

This year the annual event officially begins on Monday, May 19, but the public health team will be starting early with a special roadshow at Asda in Leigh on Sunday May 18.

There will be another at Asda in Wigan on Saturday May 24. Both events will offer members of the public advice on all types of noise and how to deal with it.

Principal public health officer Caroline Maffia said: "Noise Action Week aims to raise awareness about the simple, practical measures people can take.

"We do get involved in a large number of disputes between people who have issues about noise and what we are really trying to promote is better communication between neighbours."

When the public health team is asked to investigate a noise dispute between neighbours they first ask the complainant to keep a diary of when the noise occurs.

"After this evidence has been gathered we will go out and speak to the neighbour," said Caroline.
"If that fails we can set up noise monitoring equipment which can be used as further evidence against the noise makers."