Be a good neighbour

As we spend more time at home, it is more important than ever for residents to be considerate and supportive of their neighbours.

Many of us have had to adjust to new routines and ways of living due to the pandemic and as a result, may not be aware of the impact this has on our neighbours. 

From regular, excessive noise, having bonfires and fly-tipping, all these behaviours can have a detrimental effect on people’s quality of life. 

During the pandemic, some residents have kept busy by undertaking home improvements and clearing out unwanted items. However this has resulted in more waste, which unfortunately is not all being disposed of properly and the number of fly-tipping cases reported to the council has increased substantially. 

Fly-tipping is not only illegal, it is unsightly and has a negative impact on the environment. It’s important to dispose of waste responsibly via local licensed centres and traders. Extra household waste and other items can also be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Site, which is now open from 8.30am-6pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends. The council also has a bulky waste collection service, which can remove white goods, furniture and electric equipment. Call 01293 438772 to book a collection.

Crawley Borough Council is also recommending that residents avoid having bonfires as they can be a serious health issue for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis or symptoms of coronavirus. If you plan on having a bonfire, be a considerate neighbour: 

• Inform your neighbours beforehand
• Avoid having it on weekends or bank holidays when more people are likely to be out
• Discuss any issues in a calm and rational manner

Council tenants are not allowed to have bonfires as part of their tenancy agreement. Those who are found to be causing a statutory nuisance will be investigated by the council’s Environmental Health team and possibly fined. You can report bonfire related issues to pollution@crawley.gov.uk.

As we’re at home for longer periods of time, we’re likely to be making more noise than normal. While it’s expected that we will make some noise as we go about our daily routines, it’s important that we don’t make excessive noise, such as playing loud music or having the television volume turned up high, loud arguments or slamming doors. Excessive noise on a regular basis and at all times of the day can have a negative effect on another person’s mental health and sleeping patterns.