Horrible neighbours - any advice?

[yolande]

My sister is a student in Bristol and lives in a fairly quiet student house of 4 (I have been there and it is not unduly noisy at all). They have a tenant living below them, a woman of about 30, who is making things very difficult for them by complaining about the noise. She has also put some of their shoes which were in the communal hall into a skip etc. They had the police round last week who were very symapthetic, but they don't know what to do next. Does the Environemental Health team come and assess the noise? Or can they be taken to court just on heresay? They have their finals coming up and are getting really stressed - any advice?

[##Wardy##]

It will take a long long time to go to court if the EH have evidence. Two warnings are issued first with independant evidence from sound equipment.

Whilst you say they are not noisy, be real. A woman on her own compared with 4 students and no doubt countless visitors!!!!. They perhaps do not realise the noise they make. It does not take a Roman Orgy to annoy the neighbors.

A lot of noise travels through the walls as opposed to the common belief, the floorboards. How about asking the landlord to cavity fill the walls? It only takes a few hours and he may receive a grant from the council if they are Green orientated.

Also, turn the bass off any stereos and the TV and place slam stops on all doors.

Remember, the complainee may work shifts and/or weekends, so Friday night revelries may be annoying.

Whilst I am no grouch (I was a student once!!) I do feel for the woman as well. I lived in a flat once for two weeks and the noise was horrendous.

[sleeveless]

Well said Wardy. It's not that they make excessive noise but a young persons noise tolerence is much higher and just 4 pairs of shoes hitting the floor when they go to bed can be really annoying!!
Other than being constantly aware that doors don't need to be slammed... slippers were made for indoors... stereos have headphones and friends have to be out by 10:30 I'd suggest they move!