[ 2011-08-30 ]

Simon and Pippa Lansdell have been told that their son Alfie must play more quietly in their garden

Boy, 4 threatened with £5,000 fine... for 'playing too loudly'
The parents of a four-year-old boy have been told
he must keep the noise down while playing in the
garden or they could face a £5,000 fine.

Simon and Pippa Lansdell received a letter from
Hull City Council warning them that there had been
a complaint about 'a child screaming/playing' in
the garden.

The letter said they could receive a noise
abatement notice and fine if there were any more
complaints about their son Alfie, and this could
include a further £500-a-day fine if the noise
continued.

Mr Lansdell said he is furious that someone could
try and stop Alfie playing football or with the
family dog Oscar in their garden.

He said: 'When I first opened the letter I was
shocked, then I was absolutely fuming.

'We are not sure who has made a complaint.The
neighbours we have spoken to are absolutely
disgusted about it.

The letter came from the council's environmental
health team which asks the Lansdells, who live in
Hull, to consider if Alfie's behaviour could be a
nuisance to others.

It states the allegation of 'noise nuisance'
relates to a 'child screaming/playing in garden'
and that if more complaints are made, his
behaviour could be monitored with digital
equipment.

The complainant, who is not identified, has also
been asked to keep a record of dates and times
when Alfie's playing causes a nuisance, according
to the notice.

The letter states: 'Failure to comply with such a
notice can lead on conviction to a fine, not
exceeding £5,000, together with a daily fine of
up to £500 for each day the nuisance continues.'

It also contains advice on how to keep the noise
down in different situations, but does not offer
any specific advice on dealing with children.
Mrs Lansdell 31, said: 'I think it is pathetic. It
is the summer holidays. Kids make noise, it's
natural.

'What am I supposed to do, gag him and put him in
his bedroom?'
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear of the
letter.

Student nurse Emma Ward, 26, said: 'I have no
complaints about Alfie. He is lovely.

'He is just a normal little boy playing. It is
nice to hear children playing out. The council
haven't got a leg to stand on.'

Mother-of-two Carla Chester said the Lansdells had
her full support.

She said: 'Alfie is no different from the other
children who play out.
'I think it is disgusting they have been contacted
by the council about him.'

A city council spokeswoman insisted the authority
has a legal obligation to investigate all
complaints.

She said: 'Legally, we have to investigate any
noise complaints we receive, regardless of the
source of the noise and, in compliance with the
law, we informed Mr and Mrs Lansdell a complaint
had been received.

'An abatement notice has not been served.'

Source - Daily mail

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