Residents reporting on neighbours not necessary

Jonathan from Woolston

There has been an increase in issues with neighbours being reported to the Council in recent times. If you have a problem with your neighbour's dog or trees or noise, or anything else that is annoying you, you may report it to the Council and your neighbour will get a letter in the mail requiring action. Your neighbour will read the letter, but it may not be specific enough for them to know what needs to be done and it may take a long time for the problem to be solved. It is better to go and see your neighbour first and courteously discuss the issue with them. Usually the neighbour will cooperate and will be on good terms with you. But if they do object to the issue you have raised, then you may report the problem to the council and the council will make sure your neighbour will comply. But If you want to be on good terms with your neighbours, it pays to go over and have a chat to them first. If you have never met them this would be a good opportunity to introduce yourself. Being a good neighbour means a happy neighborhood.