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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I shouldn't have to pay for this?

148 replies

Pollyxplummer · 19/07/2025 21:37

I have been complaining to the council about my noisy neighbours for THREE YEARS and they have done absolutely nothing until last Tuesday when they finally wrote them a letter. A bloody letter after three years of complaints. Thanks
Anyway, the noise has of course not stopped and in the email where they informed me they were going to send a letter, they also said that if the noise doesn't stop, I shpuld record it using an app and send them the recordings. They put a link in the email.
I went to download it tonight ready to use for tomorrow mornings inevitable 4am start, and it is a paid-for app!
They haven't sent me a discount code or anything. Are they actually expecting me to pay??
Should I??

OP posts:
Eeehbyeck · 19/07/2025 21:38

How much is it?

gotellsomeone · 19/07/2025 21:42

An app isn’t going to cost much, surely? I would t be chasing £2.99
if you want it to stop and want to carry on with the complaint then yes you should.

Meadowfinch · 19/07/2025 21:48

Councils are strapped for cash, half of them are bankrupt. They are pointing you at an app that will allow you to collect evidence.

IMissSparkling · 19/07/2025 21:50

There might be a similar app that's free.
But if you need to use that specific one then yes you should pay.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 19/07/2025 21:52

How much is the app?

Givenupshopping · 19/07/2025 21:53

It doesn't seem right that you should have to do this OP, but if you're that desperate to get this sorted, I'd do it as long as I could afford it. If it's the difference between a meal and the app., then obviously that's different.

Original poster
Pollyxplummer · 19/07/2025 21:57

Meadowfinch · 19/07/2025 21:48

Councils are strapped for cash, half of them are bankrupt. They are pointing you at an app that will allow you to collect evidence.

They're not "pointing me to" an app, they are telling me I must use this app as the next step if their letter doesn't work.
They asked me to fill in 3 weeks of diary sheets, which I did, three times, and they inly paid attention to the 3rd time, after which time they did nothing but write a sodding letter.
Now they want me to use an app to record noise, which means me fully waking up every time the neighbours start, opening my phone and pressing record every time, then labelling each incident. It's a faff but fine, I'll do it.
I really think askinge to pay is a step too far, surely? I've done plenty already while they have done very little.

OP posts:
CRbear · 19/07/2025 21:59

If you want a chance of them doing anything you’ll have to jump through their hoops

Original poster
Pollyxplummer · 19/07/2025 22:02

CRbear · 19/07/2025 21:59

If you want a chance of them doing anything you’ll have to jump through their hoops

For another three years, and then what? Another letter? 🙄
It would be quicker and easier to hire a bulldozer and take care of the shitty neighbours myself!

OP posts:
Mandylovescandy · 19/07/2025 22:04

What is their process? What will they do with this evidence? Have you rung 101 and complained to the police each time? I would do that as that is also a record that the council, and you can use. Have you considered bringing your own court action? Plus if you ring the police they'll come out to speak to the neighbour. What noise is it?

Faulksonline · 19/07/2025 22:05

There is a process to follow. The council are not responsible for your neighbours behaviour, nor can they make it stop. They also can’t monitor it in the early hours. If you want to build a case then you must evidence it. Tedious, annoying & it probably feels futile, but you have few options I’d say

Darragon · 19/07/2025 22:06

When we did a noise complaint procedure about 8 years ago with our neighbours, the council provided and installed recording equipment that was supposed to be as sensitive as a human ear.

The problem was, we couldn't move it around to where the sound was coming from and it didn't get good recordings because it had to be on a flat surface so ended up on a windowsill. At night with the blackout thermal curtains closed it didn't have a fair opportunity to record the noise.

I would have much preferred an app that I could move closer to the source as they moved around the house and out front and back with loud parties, and honest to god, the stress that noise was causing me, it left me a nervous wreck, I would have thrown money at that problem to make it go away.

Can you ring the council, tell them you've seen the procedure on the letter but that you don't have a smartphone and see if they can provide the equipment instead?

CoastalCalm · 19/07/2025 22:15

How much is the app ? You seem to be avoiding that question

gamerchick · 19/07/2025 22:16

How much is it?

AhBiscuits · 19/07/2025 22:18

How much is it?

Devilsmommy · 19/07/2025 22:23

CoastalCalm · 19/07/2025 22:15

How much is the app ? You seem to be avoiding that question

It's going to be a ridiculously low price that is affordable, that's why OP is ignoring it

LizzyEm · 19/07/2025 22:33

Get your mp to write a letter to the council/get involved. Councils seem to buck their ideas up then.

Geraldina · 19/07/2025 22:35

If it is of the same sort of order as, say, three bus tickets or a few stamps, frame it as such and let it go. In the olden days any sort of comms with the council would have cost you in envelopes, stamps and/or phone calls, and these days most of that comes for free so in the grand scheme of things you're doing ok.

You're understandably triggered by this after all the stress of theast 3 years. I hope you find some peace soon.

YetiRosetti · 19/07/2025 22:37

Council noise protection is absolutely shite.

I agree with you that you shouldn’t have to pay OP. I absolutely hate inconsiderate neighbours.

Springadorable · 19/07/2025 22:37

I don't want my council tax to be spent on your downloading an app. Just download it.

GoodOldTrayBake · 19/07/2025 22:52

HOW MUCH IS IT!!!???!?

CandyCane457 · 19/07/2025 22:59

Also here just to find out now much the app is!

DiddlyCrock · 19/07/2025 22:59

Why not move out and use your hard earned cash to rent somewhere with quieter neighbours?

ThreePointOneFourOneFiveNine · 19/07/2025 23:02

very hard to answer your question without knowing how much the app is. Is it a one of price or a subscription?

Branleuse · 19/07/2025 23:04

Thats a pisstake, but i dont see what other option you have