Good neighbourly relationships are built on simple acts of respect and awareness.
Whether it’s keeping the noise down, using shared spaces responsibly, or helping each other feel at home, small actions help create a better place for everyone. Here are some practical ways we can all do our part.

🎶 Keep the noise down

A bit of noise is a normal part of everyday life – from children playing to dogs barking or the occasional DIY project. But if the volume becomes too much, especially late at night or early in the morning, it can affect your neighbours’ peace.

If you’re planning a gathering, playing music or using karaoke, try to:

• Let your neighbours know in advance
• Finish any loud activities before late evening
• Keep windows and doors closed to reduce the noise

Sometimes, people simply don’t realise how far the sound carries – a friendly chat often helps. If the noise continues and you feel it’s unreasonable, you can contact us or report it to your Local Council’s Noise Nuisance team.

🛴 Children at play

We love seeing children enjoying the outdoors – it’s an important part of growing up. But it’s also important that play is respectful and safe for everyone. We sometimes receive complaints about noisy games, scooters or ball games in shared spaces.

Here are a few simple ways to help things run smoothly:

• Encourage children to avoid loud games early in the morning or late in the evening
• Keep scooters, bikes and toys off shared paths and away from other people’s doors
• Remind children to use kind language and play safely near roads

If you have concerns about children’s behaviour, we’ll always take a balanced and neutral view, encouraging conversation and compromise where possible.

🔥 BBQs – tasty and safe

Outdoor cooking is a lovely way to enjoy the warmer months – but safety comes first.

Please remember:

• BBQs are not allowed on balconies – they pose a serious fire risk
• Only use BBQs in your own garden, away from buildings, fences and trees
• Do not use BBQs in communal grounds, shared spaces or pavements
• Never use flammable liquids like petrol or paraffin
• Keep an eye on children and pets while cooking

BBQs can stay hot for hours and produce harmful fumes – don’t bring them inside.

For more tips, visit our Building Safety page.

🏊 Trampolines, paddling pools and garden toys

If you’re using outdoor equipment like trampolines or pools:

• Keep them within your garden area – not on shared spaces or pavements
• Supervise children closely
• Remove temporary items after use so they don’t become hazards

This helps keep shared areas safe and tidy for everyone.

🚲 Keep communal areas clear

Communal spaces such as stairwells, landings and walkways must be kept completely clear at all times. That means no bikes, scooters, buggies, plants or mats outside your front door or on the stairs.

Blocked communal areas pose a serious risk during emergencies and can delay fire crews or evacuation.

If you see items left in communal areas, please contact us.

Let’s all do our bit to make our neighbourhoods friendly, welcoming and safe. And if you’re ever unsure about the rules or want to raise a concern, just visit tch.org.uk or contact us  – we’re always happy to help.