Durham University: New anti-social noise procedure encourages students to be good neighbours
The policy highlights our on-going commitment to encourage our students to be good neighbours. Recent initiatives include the ‘Shh… 11pm-7am’ campaign, led by the City of Durham Parish Council, to encourage quiet in residential areas between 11pm and 7am. We also require all our students to sign up to the Student Pledge, which sets out the kinds of behaviour expected of them.
Reporting anti-social noise
Under the new process, anyone wishing to report ongoing anti-social noise out of hours at a property they believe to be student occupied should call the police non-emergency number, 101. The complaint will then be referred to the University Security Community Response Team (CRT), which operates between 9.30pm and 3.30am, seven days a week during University term time.
The CRT members will take an ‘engage, explain, encourage’ approach, to encourage an immediate reduction in noise, and with the aim of preventing similar incidents.
They will be equipped with body cameras and Bodycam footage may be shared with Durham County Council, which can issue a Community Protection Warning (CPW) or Community Protection Notice (CPN). Breach of a CPN can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice or, ultimately, prosecution.
While it is part of the Council’s remit to enforce legislation on nuisance noise, the University may, where appropriate, pursue specific complaints against students under its Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure.
Non-urgent or daytime noise issues can be reported to Durham County Council on 03000 260 000 or online at durham.gov.uk.
Be a considerate neighbour
Jeremy Cook Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) said: “We encourage our students to be good citizens and considerate neighbours and the vast majority wish to be a positive part of the Durham community.
“However, we recognise that anti-social noise can be disruptive to neighbourhoods. Where anti-social noise is a significant problem, we will support Durham County Council in pursuing cases, and taking any necessary actions.”