Wednesday 8th April
On “duty” this morning, which would normally involve recording details of voicemails left overnight, calling new complainants, taking calls from existing complainants, and subsequently visiting to witness the noise. The only thing that changes is the cancellation of the callout service, and consequently more voicemails – nineteen last night. Most accept that we are not visiting, but to whom are social-distancing contraventions at house parties reported? This is a Police matter – they can also provide evidence of noise witnessed. At least 3 house parties in Leicester were reported last night, which must indicate a national problem with social-distancing contraventions. A lady complaining for the first time is apoplectic and disgusted that we cannot visit to witness loud music from the flat below. I call her and she states that we have a legal duty to investigate by listening from the street, and working out the source from the location of the second-floor window of the noisy flat. She wants details of the legislation that prevents us from visiting her and dealing with the noise. I have sympathy – she is in lockdown with an alleged antisocial neighbour (allegedly a Council tenant is a “nice” block), but these are different times, hopefully for weeks rather than months. No doubt we would look further at our options if we know that lockdown will be prolonged, but, no matter how important that we think we are, “Noise Officers” are not Key Workers who must be out and about. After a fifteen-minute difficult phone call, I agree to send details on how to apply to a Court to take her own action. Good luck with that – I believe that courts are closed for all but remand cases. A BBC One Show item tonight highlights the compromises that are being made by “proper” key workers. About 30 Nottingham medical students graduate early to join the NHS Coronavirus battle. No summer graduation ceremony and celebrations, just online confirmation of the award. The One Show arranges a Zoom-style virtual Graduation ceremony, but as one Graduate said, it was weird – a few minutes in the garden to throw a hat into the air and have a glass of champagne, and then prepare for the front line. Tomorrow evening I’ll be in the front garden making a noise for the NHS.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
