FRUSTRATED neighbours have joined together to tackle the “intolerable” noise problems in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Set up by the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents’ Association, the noise abatement committee will look at making the area quieter and more peaceful.

It follows complaints from neighbours of noisy leaf blowers, lawnmowers and machinery on construction sites in the area.

Residents’ Association chairman David Lewis said: “We held a public meeting for Suburb residents in June which was attended by a large number of residents, including local councillors, who represented a widely shared feeling that local noise levels are often intolerable.

“It’s not just a question of volume but also of duration. We want garden and other contractors to use quieter equipment and for people not to leave their dogs to bark outside.”

Committee chairman Gary Shaw said: “Noise problems seem to have grown worse in recent years as garden contractors have moved away from older hand-operated tools.

“The noise of some gardening equipment can make it impossible for residents to concentrate, work or relax. On many summer days residents can’t use their own gardens because of the noise coming from their neighbours’ gardens."

The committee can be contacted at rachair@hgs.org.uk