NEIGHBOURS are going through hell after the “nightclub” below them thumps loud music into the early hours – causing kids to cry themselves to sleep. Some of the residents living above Faith in Strangers in Margate, Kent, have even been forced to move out because of the vibrating floors and blaring bass. When it first opened […]
NEIGHBOURS are going through hell after the “nightclub” below them thumps loud music into the early hours – causing kids to cry themselves to sleep.
Some of the residents living above Faith in Strangers in Margate, Kent, have even been forced to move out because of the vibrating floors and blaring bass.
When it first opened in 2019 as a creative co-working space hosting poetry nights and academic talks, it was well received by the community.
Georgina Powell and her partner moved in drawn to the idea of the arts hub that they could use on their doorstep.
She said: “The art part sounded amazing. That bit is a brilliant business, we’ve nothing against that.”
It was only after lockdown when restrictions were lifted, that residents of the block of 12 flats said that weekends became a “nightmare” as bosses revealed that it would become a live music venue on Fridays and Saturdays.
And now the couple, whose flat is directly above the venue, have been forced to move out – paying rent on top on their mortgage.
Georgina explained: “They had a few parties in 2019 and it was so loud up here – we could hear every word to Madonna. The floor was vibrating
“In my living room I might as well be standing on the dancefloor in Fabric nightclub, and it goes on into the early hours.”
Another family have also been forced to move out this month due to the noise keeping their two-year-old awake at night.
And a mum-of-two, Rosie-Mae Deal, was brought to tears as she felt helpless to stop the noise that was causing a huge amount of distress to her autistic son.
“One night I sat crying in my home knowing I can’t do anything about this ridiculously loud music thumping through my flat, waking my children up, upsetting my little boy, who has autism so is very sensitive to sounds,” she said,
“He sleeps in my bed because he’s scared. He covers his ears, he cries, he screams under his covers.
“This is our home and it’s where we should be able to feel safe and be at peace.”
He sleeps in my bed because he’s scared. He covers his ears, he cries, he screams under his covers.
Rosie-Mae Deal
The cultural arts venue used to be licensed as a nightclub 40 years ago and one resident, Ethelbert Crescent, has said that the noise before was nowhere near as bad as now, due to it not having the correct soundproofing to manage the loud music.
The woman in her eighties explained that the blaring noise is affecting her health with her avoiding staying in her own home.
Thanet District Council logged various noise complaints from last year, as an application to review the licence is submitted.
The council’s environment and health team said that the venue has not always adhered to their 11pm noise curfew, with potentially more measures necessary not to disturb the neighbours, Kent Online reported.
Despite this, 130 letters of support have sent in favour of the venue, calling it “key” for the community in the area.
A council hearing is due to take place on Thursday, with representatives from eight of the 12 flats appealing to the council.
Due to the pending hearing, Faith in Strangers has been unable to comment until a ruling is decided.
