WE all know the feeling of Bob from next door mowing the lawn at 7am on a Sunday... well it stops from today!

Some of us may be guilty of putting the washing machine on or hoovering at night - or the biggest sin, lighting a bonfire - but with self-isolation frustrations, are we being more inconsiderate than usual?

Southend Council is asking residents to be mindful of our antisocial antics - and with people now only leaving their house to shop, exercise, for medical need or to travel to work where they cannot work from home, it is more important than ever to consider our neighbours, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

The council’s regulatory services team is asking residents to consider the following advice:

Think about the volume of your music and how loud your TV is - especially when gaming; control the barking of dogs where possible; do not have bonfires; make sure your rubbish is stored securely and put out for collection on the correct day; only do DIY between 9am and 6pm, and only mow the lawn or use power tools in the garden between 9am and 6pm.

Councillor Martin Terry said: “These are difficult and unknown times for all of us. Most people are at home far more than usual and we all need to be tolerant and patient until restrictions are lifted.

Halstead Gazette:

“We also need to be mindful of our neighbours, who could be more anxious about the situation than you are.

“It is inevitable too that more of us are spending our time carrying out domestic and DIY work from cutting the grass to redecorating for example, or spending more time watching and streaming TV box sets, movies and gaming.

“I urge local people to think about the times they are carrying out domestic work, or the noise they have their TV set to.

“Starting that outside DIY job half an hour later or turning your TV down a little are all small actions that could have a major positive impact on your neighbours and local community at this time.”

The council has also advised against the use of external lights, except where absolutely necessary.

Use vacuum cleaners, washing machines or other domestic appliances between 8am and 9pm.

If you play a musical instrument, try and arrange suitable times with your neighbour if you think it will affect them - so don’t start banging your drums at midnight or have a late-night a jazz session with your saxaphone.

To report a complaint, use MySouthend, or contact the council’s regulatory services team on 01702 215000.

For up to date information regarding council services during the Coronavirus outbreak, visit www.southend.gov.uk/coronavirus

Remember to look at the recycling and waste pages on the council’s website for up to date information and view the FAQ section.