Frequently Asked Questions

Noise and Pollution Control

• What can you do about loud music from car stereos?
• How loud can I play my music?
• Are there set times when I can play my music?
• How can I ensure my burglar alarm doesn't cause a nuisance?
• Can I have a bonfire in my garden?
• Are there set times when I can have a bonfire?
• Are there any byelaws about having bonfires?
• My neighbour is disturbing me with smoke from a chimney/bonfire. What can I do?

Please also see further information about Environmental Services >>

What can you do about loud music from car stereos ?

The Public Protection Department is unable to deal with noise from car stereos whilst the car is moving (and this includes any noise from "traffic") on public roads . Where a car is stationary on private land or in the street, the Public Protection Department has powers to deal with noisy car stereos. Contact us on 01978 298989, email: Contact-Us@wrexham.gov.uk or by completing the online noise, smoke or pollution reporting form for further advice.

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How loud can I play my music ?

As loud as you want BUT you must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. This generally depends on the location of your hi-fi relative to your nearest neighbours and how well sound insulated your home is. You must remember that whilst most people enjoy music, they do not want music imposed on them and they are entitled to a reasonable degree of peace and quiet whether in their home or garden, day or night. Try headphones.

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Are there set times when I can play my music ?

There are no times when you can play your music so loud that it causes a nuisance to your neighbours. You should bear in mind that when background noise levels get quieter, at night for example, then your music will sound louder. Most people enjoy music but they do not want music imposed on them and they are entitled to a reasonable degree of peace and quiet whether in their home or garden, day or night.

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How can I ensure my burglar alarm doesn't cause a nuisance ?

Your burglar alarm should be set so that it sounds for no more than 20 minutes when triggered. You should also notify the police of two key-holders who can be contacted to switch off the alarm promptly where the alarm has failed to switch off automatically. There is a form available for you to do this, contact the Public Protection Department on 01978 298989, email: Contact-Us@wrexham.gov.uk or by completing the Public Protection Department online enquiry form to request a form which can be completed and sent to us.

You should also make sure that false alarms are kept to a minimum by ensuring that the sensors are not easily triggered, by small animals for example. People will start to ignore your alarm and the possibility of your home being burgled if it goes off frequently.

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Can I have a bonfire in my garden ?

Generally yes. However there are restrictions. You must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours and even then you should restrict the waste you burn to dry (not green) garden waste, clean timber, cardboard or paper. Burning other materials on an open fire may prove toxic, especially plastics, rubber, paint and oils. You are less likely to cause a nuisance when the wind direction is blowing away from neighbouring properties.

You should avoid lighting fires if you are close to a highway and the smoke is likely to interrupt the journey of passing motorists.

You should avoid burning your bonfire close to hedges, fences, buildings or other things which could catch light or be damaged.

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Are there any byelaws about having bonfires ?

The statutory nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allow the Council to serve a notice on a person causing a nuisance to neighbours from bonfires

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Are there set times when I can have a bonfire ?

There are no set times when you can or can't have a bonfire. You should avoid burning once it gets dark as you may attract the attentions of the Fire Service. You should also avoid burning when people have washing out to dry or are likely to be disturbed by a fire.

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My neighbour is disturbing me with smoke from a chimney/bonfire. What can I do ?

This depends where you live. In all areas, the Council can take action against a householder where smoke from their chimney is causing a nuisance. If you live in a smoke control area, and this includes most of Wrexham town, then your neighbour is only allowed to burn smokeless fuels or use approved appliances. Contact the Public Protection Department on 01978 292040 for more advice or if wish to make a complaint -you can do this by completing an online pollution complaint form, or by calling 01978 298989, or by email: contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk. You will need to supply your name, address and other contact details if we are to act on your complaint.

Further contact information:

Telephone: 01978 298989

Email: Contact-Us@wrexham.gov.uk

Complete the online enquiry form

Address:
Wrexham County Borough Council
Public Protection Department
Ruabon Offices
High Street
Ruabon
Wrexham
LL14 6NH