Neighbour Disputes
Council and Outside Agencies
Legal Powers of other Council Departments and Outside Agencies
The Police
The police can take action in a number of situations including; harassment, involvement
in illegal drugs, noise nuisance, public nuisance, and dangerous dogs.
Harassment
Action may be possible under the law relating to assault, threatening behaviour
and breach of the peace and it may be possible to proceed with a prosecution. If
there is sufficient evidence a report could be submitted to the procurator fiscal
which may lead to prosecution.
Drugs & Drug Dealers
If you suspect a neighbour is involved in drugs or drug dealing, you should contact
the police and your area housing office.
Noise Nuisance
If a neighbour is disturbing you by playing music at excessive volume, contact the
police immediately. Even if the police do not arrive until after the music has been
turned off, a call from the police may be enough to deter your neighbour from doing
it again. If you do not want your neighbour to know you have called the police,
ask the police not to call at your door after they have visited your neighbour.
Public Nuisance
The police can take action if someone's actions are likely to cause annoyance e.g.
cars being repaired, cars causing obstructions or abandoned cars on a public road.
Dangerous Dogs
If someone allows their dog to cause danger, an injury to another person in a public
place, you should contact the police. There are restrictions on the ownership of
certain dangerous dogs and powers to control them.
Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives powers to council Environmental Health
Officers to deal with certain issues like noise, excessive build up of rubbish and
animal control.
Noise
Unreasonable domestic noise such as washing machines, intruder alarms, regular noise
from car repairs and televisions / stereos.
Rubbish
Where excessive build up of rubbish is causing a danger to health and safety.
Animal Control
Where dogs are causing a nuisance by straying or posing a threat to the public.
Problems with dog fouling in public places such as foot paths and children's play
areas.