CARMARTHEHNSHIRE council has backed a campaign which highlights the work of a team of officers who deal with irritated residents in the area.

Noise Action Week provides a focus for local authorities, housing providers, mediation services and all those involved in neighbourhood noise management to raise awareness of practical solutions to noise problems.

The campaign takes place around the UK from May 23 to May 28 when the spotlight falls on environmental health teams and the work that they do. In Carmarthenshire, a small team of officers, qualified in the field of acoustics and noise control, deal with around 900 noise complaints every year.

Most common complaints include barking dogs, loud music and anti-social behaviour and building activities, as well as noise from pubs and clubs, wind farms and commercial or industrial processes.

When complaints are made, and following the completion of a dairy log sheet, the team may make arrangements for an assessment, usually collecting evidence through sound monitoring or visits in person and speaking to neighbours.

If a statutory noise nuisance is identified, officers can then enforce S79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some of the most common sources of noise though cannot be dealt with under legislation, including children playing, traffic noise on public roads, people arguing or shouting or someone using their property in a normal way such as using a washing machine or flushing a toilet, or walking up and down their stairs.

Executive Board Member for Public Protection, Cllr Jim Jones said: "Noise complaints are one of the most common complaints we deal with as a council, so Noise Action Week is a great opportunity to meet people and offer advice about the kind of noise we can help with.

"Ultimately it all comes down to consideration and minimising noise wherever possible. Often, just a friendly chat with your neighbour before you start a noisy activity may be enough to keep matters under control."

If you have a noise problem which you would like to report, you can visit carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/residents/environmental-health/noise-complaints/#.V0QzFTFvBqM.