What is ASB?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is defined in the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) as acting ‘in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the perpetrator.’ ASB therefore includes a variety of behaviour covering a whole complex of activities that can blight the quality of life of a particular individual, group or community. Examples include:
- Assault; threatening behaviour; domestic abuse; verbal abuse.
- Hate crime; incitement.
- Loud music; excessive dog barking.
- Rubbish dumping.
- Drug and alcohol-related nuisance.
- Damage to property.
Living in such close proximity to one another, it’s no surprise that disputes with neighbours can get heated quite quickly, but in most cases simply talking peacefully to one another is the best way to solve a problem. However, if talking hasn’t worked or you can’t discuss the issue with your neighbour, find out how you can get help to resolve the issue.
What is the impact?
Our first advice is always to talk to your neighbour if possible and try to resolve the issue peacefully. If you have a difference of opinion, see if you can find a compromise that works for both of you, such as no loud music after 11pm.
https://www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes
You can also contact Restorative Gloucestershire who bring those harmed by crime or conflict, and those responsible for the harm, into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
http://www.restorativegloucestershire.co.uk/
If you can’t resolve a dispute with a neighbour it can really wear you down. This can have a serious effect on your quality of life, especially if it leads to you feeling threatened, isolated or scared in your own home or community. If this is the case, we would strongly advise you to take action using the steps below.
What you can do
Our first advice is always to talk to your neighbour if possible and try to resolve the issue peacefully. If you have a difference of opinion, see if you can find a compromise that works for both of you, such as no loud music after 11pm.
https://www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes
You can also contact Restorative Gloucestershire who bring those harmed by crime or conflict, and those responsible for the harm, into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
http://www.restorativegloucestershire.co.uk/
If you can’t resolve a dispute with a neighbour it can really wear you down. This can have a serious effect on your quality of life, especially if it leads to you feeling threatened, isolated or scared in your own home or community. If this is the case, we would strongly advise you to take action using the steps below.
If talking hasn’t worked
If you live in rented property or social housing, your landlord or housing association may be able to help you.
Housing Associations
https://www.gch.co.uk/anti-social-behaviour/
https://www.cbh.org/services/your-community/asb/
https://www.tworivershousing.org.uk/your-home/extra-services/managing-asb/
https://www.guinnesspartnership.com/report-anti-social-behaviour/
https://www.greensquaregroup.com/customers/your-tenancy/antisocial-behaviour/asb-actions
If the problem involves noise, such as a loud party or dogs barking, please contact your local council as this isn’t a police matter.
Councils
https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/62/community_safety_and_crime/1208/anti-social_behaviour
https://www.fdean.gov.uk/communities-health-and-leisure/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour/
https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/682234/anti-social-behaviour-policy-august-2017.pdf
https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/communities-and-leisure/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour/
https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour
For disagreements over boundary walls, fences, trees or hedges, contact Citizens Advice for free information and support.
In some cases you may also want to contact a solicitor. You can also refer to government guidance on the Party Wall etc Act 1996.
If you feel targeted or intimidated
If the problems have escalated or you’ve been threatened, verbally abused, or personally targeted please report the crime to the police.
https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/
Other Support
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/problems-where-you-live/complaining-about-your-neighbour/