Cllrs Xena Dion (Penn HIll Ward) and May Haines (Canford Cliffs Ward) are leading action against 'party houses' that are blighting the lives of residents. Their campaign is to ensure every action is taken against those responsible for letting houses out purely for the purposes of party weekends - primarily 'stag' and 'hen' celebrations. 'No-body objects to people having an occasional party or celebration in their own home" Cllr Haines explains, "but residents who live around these houses have to suffer interminable disturbance from parties that go on every weekend and often last through the night; sometimes only starting in the early hours when revelers return from local nightclubs and continue partying. It is making their lives totally miserable" Cllr Dion, whose Portfolio includes Consumer Protection and Regulatory Services, is equally keen to curb the problem and ensure residents have all the information they need to report any disturbances quickly and accurately. This is necessary in order for Officers to get the evidence they need to pursue legal action through the Courts. "Unfortunately" she says, "its not simply a case of calling the Council and getting it stopped. The only way legal action can be taken is through the Courts, and the Courts demand sufficient, factual, evidence to satisfy them that the owners of the houses are intentionally letting out their house for party weekends. As with all legal issues, its complicated and there are loop-holes that owners have argued against, and, in some cases, won". Residents affected by any unreasonable party activity are encouraged to call the police if needed but to report it, as it is happening, to the Council on 0800 5060. It is not helpful to wait for the next day, as the Officers need to record what they witness firsthand. A newly passed 'Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour' Act intends to give greater powers to local authorities by lowering the threshold of the evidence needed along with several additional measures. Cllr. Xena Dion, Penn Hill Ward. Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Culture and Learning and Consumer Protection.
