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Derek Bower of New Tupton has been fined over £3,000 after his cockerel’s excessive crowing disturbed neighbours. Despite an abatement notice, the noise continued, leading to legal action.
A resident of New Tupton, near Chesterfield, has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 after his cockerel’s persistent crowing caused serious disturbances in the neighbourhood.
Officials from North East Derbyshire District Council used specialist noise monitoring equipment to track the bird’s crowing and discovered that it crowed 76 times within 50 minutes, beginning as early as 5:53 AM.
Following multiple noise complaints from neighbours, the council’s Environmental Health Service launched an investigation. Their findings confirmed that the cockerel’s crowing was excessive and disruptive, occurring throughout the day and significantly affecting residents’ quality of life.
An Environmental Health Officer visited the property and recorded the bird’s noise levels. In response, an abatement notice was issued to the cockerel’s owner, Derek Bower. However, Mr. Bower failed to comply or engage with the authorities, leading to legal action.
On December 9, 2024, the case was heard at Derby Magistrates’ Court, but Mr. Bower failed to appear. In his absence, he was ordered to pay:
- £660 fine
- £924 victim surcharge
- £1,623.96 in court costs
The total sum of £3,207.96 was to be paid within 28 days, but the council has confirmed that the fine remains unpaid. The matter has now been referred to the council’s legal team for further action.
Local residents have described the cockerel’s crowing as a “nuisance” and a “nightmare”, particularly in the early hours of the morning.
“A nuisance, a nightmare—early hours of the morning, crowing. And when you want to sleep at that time, you don’t need it,” one neighbour told the BBC.
She also added that the noise wasn’t limited to the morning.
“Sometimes it’s all day. And I don’t think it’s right,” she said.
With the fine still unpaid, the council has escalated the case to its legal department. Meanwhile, the BBC has attempted to contact Mr. Bower for comment, but he has not responded.
