Additional noise nuisance patrols return to Welwyn Hatfield
Operation Balsam, an out-of-hours service designed to tackle neighbourhood noise nuisance, will return from 21 September and continue up to and including Saturday 5 October.
Funded by the University of Hertfordshire and jointly run by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and the police, additional noise patrols will be running between 8pm and 2am.
As a new academic year begins at the University, the aim is to improve understanding within the community, including students, of the impact that antisocial noise can have on their neighbours. The partnership is keen to ensure that people socialise considerately.
Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member, Environment, said: “Operation Balsam is for the benefit of the whole community, including students, helping them to understand the impact that noise can have on their neighbours. On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the incoming students who will be joining our Borough for the first time this autumn. Recognising that this transition marks a significant new chapter for many, we want to help ensure a smooth integration into our wider communities in Welwyn Hatfield.”
Claire Hartridge, Deputy Dean of Students at the University of Hertfordshire said: “We have jointly run Operation Balsam for 16 years, and during that time the number of complaints about noise nuisance has consistently reduced. I think that is testament to how well our communities do integrate. Our student population is a significant part of the community in Hatfield, and it’s important to us that we have a positive and respectful relationship with residents; this service provides that extra reassurance.”
PC Alanna Pearce from the constabulary’s University Policing Team, said: “We know that this is an exciting time of year for students and Operation Balsam is there to make sure that they can still have fun without disrupting their neighbours. The operation has always proved successful, and I hope that residents remain reassured by it. It’s there to help you, so please don’t hesitate to make use of it and report any noise concerns.”
The University has a dedicated policing team, made up of officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team. They work hard to keep the students safe, and you can stay up to date with their latest news on social media. X (Twitter): @HertsUniPolice Instagram: HertsuniPolice
You can also report noise nuisance online at https://www.welhat.gov.uk/noise-pests-pollution/noise-nuisance