Trampolines troubles
25 May 2006
EVERYBODY loves the summer with long hot sunny days in the garden, but a Preston lawyer has highlighted a new legal minefield that has been created by a must have children’s toy.
The trampoline is rapidly replacing hedges, arguments over noise and boundaries as the main source of aggravation and litigation between neighbours.
Complaints have snowballed as trampoline sales have rocketed since the early 1990s. Many mediation groups across the country already have special files to deal with the trampoline related disputes and Lancashire law firm, MWR Solicitors fears that the problem will only get worse.
Frustrated neighbours are becoming increasingly unhappy with their peace and quiet being broken by children screaming and shouting as they jump up and down. There have also been many complaints of children jumping high enough to peer over fences and into windows invading their neighbours’ privacy.
But Najma Ahmad, a legal expert at MWR Solicitors, says taking your neighbour to court will be difficult. She said:
“There have been numerous disputes involving children playing on trampolines and the main legal issues that are raised are noise pollution and breaching privacy laws.”
“However it would be very difficult to take your neighbour to court for a matter of this nature because the courts are not likely to regard children playing as noise or nuisance. Also it is well known that in English Law there is no right to privacy and accordingly there would be no right of action for breach of person’s privacy.
“With the start of the summer upon us I fear there maybe many disputes ahead.”
Another issue for concern has also been the sharp increase of injuries on trampolines and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has said nearly 5,000 youngsters are injured on trampolines each year
