FLINTSHIRE Council has received more than 2,000 complaints about noise in the last five years.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Leader has revealed the number of complaints residents have made across the county about noise from 2013 to 2018.

The most common complaint across the county since January 2013 has been about barking dogs, while Buckley is the area which has received the record amount of noise complaints.

Cllr Carol Ellis, Mayoress of Buckley, said: “I have had so many complaints, particularly from elderly people, some of whom are bed bound and have to endure the barking of dogs.

“Some people go out to work and leave their dogs in the garden, it’s not fair on the dogs or people who have to listen to it.

“It’s quite distressing to hear, whether they are distressed or bored I don’t know but it’s not nice to listen to.

“It’s a nuisance for all concerned. We know dogs will bark but it’s not a one off, it’s all day long.”

A breakdown of the figures received by the Leader shows that in 2013 the council received the highest number of complaints with 455.

This figure dipped to 366 in 2014 and 280 in 2015 before rising again the next year to 390 complaints made.

Last year, the figures rose again to 421 and so far, this year, in 2018, there have been more than 350 complaints made to the council.

The councillor said: “I’m frequently reporting the issue on behalf of residents but what can be done about it?

“The procedure is quite complex to make a complaint. It’s quite a lengthy process and people often don’t want to engage in it.

“I think the process needs to be easier, it’s like everything, if it’s easier then people are more likely to complain. Especially elderly people, they don’t want to be recording or stuff like that.

“With cuts to services I don’t suppose we can be asking for someone to come out and listen and have a word with people.

“The dogs I look after will bark, but I immediately bring them in.”

Complaints can be made by completing the online enquiry form on the county council’s website.

The Leader has approached Flintshire Council for a comment.