How to be a good neighbour

Whether you're new in the neighbourhood or new neighbours have just moved in, introduce yourself. Say hello and share or ask about the local area. 

As part of everyday living, and no home being totally soundproof, we all must expect some noise from the people living around us. Common everyday living noise includes TVs and stereos, DIY, dogs barking, intruder or car alarms, closing doors or simply walking around the property.

Recognise that your neighbours do not want to hear noise from your home, particularly late at night, or for long periods.

Keep noise at a reasonable level at all times.

Noise carries through walls, floors and doors. Laminate flooring and other hard surfaces can amplify noise. To help reduce it, put down rugs and fit felt or rubber pads to movable furniture.

Warn your neighbours if you are going to do anything noisy such as a party or DIY.

Co-operate with your neighbours if they ask you to reduce noise.

If you are living in a property that has the living space linked together, position noisy household appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers - even TVs and speakers - away from partition walls.

If you live above someone, consider putting carpets or rubber matting underneath your appliances to deaden or muffle the noise, and remember that someone downstairs can hear you walking around (so minimise how often you wear high heels indoors, for example).

Dogs are great companions and family pets but make sure they don't whine or bark for long periods of time.

If your dog fouls in a public space, you should clean it up.

Always keep your dog under control e.g. use a lead when walking the dog.

Get your dog micro-chipped so it can be traced back to you if it ever goes missing.

Do not block communal areas with prams, bicycles or your other personal belongings.

Do not allow your garden to become overgrown and unkempt. Keeping it tidy and free of rubbish helps improve the look of the area and discourage fly-tipping.

If you share a communal door, make sure it’s always kept closed and don’t let anyone in that you don’t know. This way everyone’s homes are kept secure.

If your neighbours’ trees or hedges are a problem, you may be able to prune or remove anything that comes over to your side of the boundary as long as you offer any clippings back to your neighbour. Some trees are protected so it’s best to check first with your neighbour before you take any action.

Recycle your waste as much as possible and use the right bins. Put your rubbish out for collection no earlier than 6pm the night before and always bring bins back in afterwards.

If you have a communal bin area, dispose of your rubbish correctly in the bins, and make sure the area around the bins is kept tidy.

Do not light a bonfire if your neighbour has washing out, is using their garden or has their windows open.

Do not light the bonfire close to yours or your neighbours’ property or any fencing to prevent the risk of the fire spreading.

Instead of having a bonfire you could consider other methods of disposing of rubbish, such as using the local household waste recycling centre or composting garden waste.

Having frequent bonfires could be causing a ‘statutory nuisance’ and Blackpool Council have the power to issue Abatement Notices to stop them happening.

Park considerately and only in areas that are designated for parking.

Recognise that you don’t have the right to park outside your home. Anyone can park on a public road if they adhere to any restrictions imposed by way of signs and markings and it is not causing an obstruction.

Do not park anywhere that blocks dropped kerbs, garages or pavements.

Be tolerant of children playing outside – Blackpool Council actively encourages children to be fit and active.

However, if you’re a parent, consider how the noise of your children playing outside may affect your neighbours. Consider if there’s a safer place to play such as a park or skateboard area.

If a child accidentally throws or kicks a ball into your property, you should either hand it back or allow it to be collected.

If children harass, intimidate or disturb others then complaints are justified, and parents must respond reasonably.

If you have alley gates at the rear of your property, make sure you always close them behind you and keep them locked at all times.

Report any problems with your alley gates as soon as possible to Blackpool Council on 01253 477477 or by visiting www.blackpool.gov.uk so that the issue can be resolved.

Do not park in front of alley gates and avoid blocking the alleyway.