We decided to write a diary of the events next door due to the extreme disturbance to our lives. The neighbours wanted to contribute and they would let us know what was happening as far as they were concerned.

30^th

Group still here. Very quiet although BBQ last night but ate indoors.

29^th

Green bin that was full of bottles and cans now empty.

Mr. Matthew McVey, Localty Officer, SLDC telephoned for information regarding the waste problems. Told him of smell and possibility of vermin and flies. Also mentioned noise and parking problems. Sent him pictures of the rubbish down the ginnel.

28^th

Quiet day. M. at the shop asked me how the discos were going. Man from SLDC called asking where Stone Arthur was. Bottles and cans put out in green bin. Not taken by recycling workers. Left on grass verge near lamp post. Other two grey bins still not emptied - at entrance to ginnel.

27^th

Quiet all day. Two large vehicles obstructing sight lines to get out of Combe Crescent.

D. M. told me she had had to ease out very gingerly. Quite upset about it. She can hear the noise as well.

24^th

Took photographs of the ginnel and all of the extra rubbish piled up causing smells. Spoke to the cleaning ladies who once again sympathised with us. One said, I'm going to crack on and the other stayed and listened to my concerns about the rubbish.

Owner's wife 'phoned. I gave her a very strong resume of the problems of noise, filthy smelly conditions in the ginnel and misuse of the hot tub. I also told her that we were told to contact them if we had any problems. We had done so but nobody answered us or the other neighbours. I concluded by telling her they had created a monster that was ruining the lives of those nearby.

Later in day rubbish, not in containers, removed and also fire pit removed. (Perhaps some progress being made.)

Received calls from concerned friends who live in the village offering advice and support.

New group in (for a celebratory party we were told). Large car parked on pavement outside of Stone Arthur. No noise as yet. Quiet night with no one in the garden.

S. sent me the contact number for the Kendal based representative of Cumbria Cottages received from T. E. 07814281472

Large red van arrived parking on road and obscuring lines of sight along School Road.

A. L. called to sign cheques. Told me that they tried to buy their house in Soutergate but the estate agent warned them off. Also apparently they tried to buy in Chaples but warned off there too.

23^rd

'Phoned the owner at 7.45 a.m. - no reply. Put a note on the vehicle asking them not to park on the pavement but in the “Private parking” provided by the “Luxury Farm House”. P. told us she 'phoned at 11.00 p.m. last night to complain of noise in the hot tub. No reply only answering machine. She has put letter through the door asking them to respect the neighbours. No communications with owner throughout the day. No sign of promised trellis work. Parish Council to write to owners expressing concerns over unneighbourly development.

Very noisy in the garden. Had to close windows. A. and P. took pity on us and invited us round to their garden as too noisy in ours. Came back to a lot of further noise as they were cooking on the BBQ. Raised voices – asked them to be quiet. They said, “It's only half past nine”. Had to close all windows at the back and open front door to cool house down. P.  'phoned owner at 11.00 p.m. as they were still in the garden making a noise. No reply!

22^nd

7.15 a.m. Large vehicle gone.

Returned from PC meeting to find large vehicle parked outside on the pavement. Group out side after 10.00 p.m. in hot tub. Stayed out until at least 2.30 a.m. Phoned owner four times only to get his answering machine. We could hear them talking and also the noise of the hot tub. It beggars belief as to what they were doing in it!!

21^st

Spoke with Mr. Dowsett who maintains the hot tub. Completely sympathetic to us and the neighbours. Understands that the hot tub is the big draw for the property and attracts a certain type. He has been asked to clear up the rubbish in the ginnel and to contact Wicks to come and remove it. He has had no instructions from the owner to remove the fire pit. The owner had told me he would do so.

Wicks came and took away the rubbish in their container. SLDC did not empty two black bins. Mr. Dowset came again and has tidied up. Now have Wicks bin full to overflowing, two black bins full, bottles and cans in boxes on the floor.

Contacted Cumbria Cottages who are the new agents once Airbnb contract has finished. They say on web site that all of their properties are inspect by local agents and are approved by Cumbria Tourism. I pointed out to them all of the problems we were having and that it would reflect badly upon their business if people who they booked in came and found they were not wanted due to the local opposition. I was told that the comments I had made would be passed to the Accounts Manager.

New group in – very quiet. Large vehicle parked out side of A. and P's.

20^th

Very quiet all day. They ate out in the evening - no problem at all.

19^th

Decided to go and talk to next door. Spoke with two very nice young men who sympathised entirely with our situation. I pointed out the rubbish, the car parking problems and of course the noise problems. One of them said that they had a lot of flies in the kitchen probably because of the rubbish.  I told them that there are rats in the wall and this would not help. I explained all of the problems we and the other neighbours were having and I suggested they mark the property low by commenting about the rubbish after their departure. They told me the owner had come on Friday evening as the result of P. and T.'s telephone call but had not come on Saturday following my call although he had 'phoned them.

Decided to contact Environmental and Health. They took all of the details and gave a reference number 1274077.

Quiet all day as they told me they were going out. No one in the garden in the evening. Very quiet.

17^th

P. told me all about it the during the morning. The owner 'phoned to say what he had done and to call him if any thing else occurred. He said that the trellis was on order and should come next Friday. He is to remove the fire pit and move the hot tub back to where it was. He is also hoping to put a timer on it. He also 'phoned P. and told her roughly the same as he had told us. He says he is determined to sort it out so that all of the neighbours are happy with the situation. He said that he cannot get out of the agreement with “Pass the Property” and has to accept their bookings. (So in the meantime we are having to put up with all of this disturbance.)

I went out in the car at 10.15 a.m. and had difficulty seeing along the road due to cars parked on the pavement. During the morning so so, fine in the afternoon because they went out.

All kicked off at about 7.00 p.m. with noise of games being played, people in the hot tub.

'Phoned owner at 7.45 p.m. who said he would 'phone them. Now 8.15 p.m. and still persistent noise and disruption. It is a pleasant Saturday evening and we would like to sit out side but are unable to do so.

Temperature 28.5C in the house and cannot open windows because of the noise.

No change so 'phoned owner again at 8.40 p.m. He said he would come over.

(Problem we are having and going to have is they are on holiday and enjoying themselves. One night of partying is ok if it was next door neighbour who lived here but it is going to occur with every group possibly every night. May be a BBQ every night too with the accompanying smells.)

9.20 p.m. no sign of owner and noise continuing, Drinking going on.

9.45 p.m. still in hot tub.

18^th

Went out this morning but don't know what we are coming back to.  A number in the  garden when we returned. Contacted Airbnb. They responded with a stock reply and a reference number

Evening noise coming from inside the house. All doors and windows open. We could not sit out in the garden. Asked E. R. if she heard noise at the top end of Combe Crescent. She certainly can and also M. W. Took E. R. round the back to show her the garden set up. Two young men appeared and after talking to them for a few minutes they agreed that the set up was in the wrong place. Apologised for noise. Took E. R. round to see the rubbish in the ginnel. She was shocked. All went very quiet with doors closed.

16^th

New group of 12?. Came in six cars. Three parked on pavement out side of Stone Arthur, three in Combe Crescent, one obstructing P & T's driveway. Two babies also.

Quiet during the evening but later on at night they were in hot tub and noisy. P. phoned the owner at 11.00 p.m. to complain of noise. He turned up at 11.30 p.m. P. said they scarpered inside and were apologetic.

15^th

M. W. called to see how we were. Yesterday's noise heard all over Four Lane Ends. Agreed to support us in anything we do. He said that J. C. was also upset about it all especially the noise of the hot tub which she hears in her bedroom. I went to see I. C. and he told me that yes his mother was concerned. I went to see her and she “was not very happy about the situation”. The noise of the hot tub keeps her awake at night. Quiet all day as the group did not emerge until 11. a.m. and they went out at about 12.30 p.m. We spent happy afternoon in the garden until they arrived back at about 5.30 p.m. G. M. 'phoned about …........ and then asked how we were doing. (They know all about it in Burlington Close!) Interrupted our evening meal as we could hear them in the hot tub. Moved into the living room. At about 6.30 p.m. a football came over the wall bounced and then hit our porch window. I went out and put it in the back porch. Minutes later one of the group came asking for the ball. I said that he could not have it and told him of all of the problems we were having because of the set up at Stone Arthur. I complained about the loud music and the playing of football (proper ball not plastic). I informed him that we were a quiet neighbourhood made up of 80+ aged families including J. C. who is nearly ninety. He was most apologetic. I relented and let him have the ball back. I told him it was not their fault. They have come for a holiday but this is not the place for it.

Quiet for the rest of the evening with just chatter in the garden.

14^th

One of the worst days!

Quiet during the day but things kicked off at about 4.30 p.m. All eight young men drinking and in and out of the hot tub. Sitting in the tub drinking, singing, loud voices and loud music coming from inside the kitchen. Football being thrown about.

Phoned owner and let him hear the noise. He asked, “What do you want me to do?” I told him about our situation and how he was ruining our way of life. I expected him to come but he didn't.

(To say he does not know who is coming in I find unconvincing as he told us before it all started that there was a small group of “Ladies” coming who had not seen each other for some time. If he knew that then surely he knows about the composition of the other groups.)

Noise continued until 8.15 p.m. Looking out it appears that the tub is not in good condition. It has been moved out from the corner it was in.

Met J. P. and he told me his problems down at Sandside with drones from Airbnb property.

13^th

Large waste bin delivered. New group of eight young men due in. Arrived and parked first of all on the pavement in Combe Crescent and then on the pavement out side of Stone Arthur. One car only.

Owner rang to update me on what he has set in motion. New agency guarantees only family groups – no youngsters, hen parties ofrstag parties. Going to let us know the name. He has had to send a lawyers' letter to “Pass the Property” informing them of the termination of the contract. Only obtained one trellis as shortage at the moment. Going to put some pots there for the time being. New bbq on order. Let him know of any problems and he will sort out. Going on holiday on Sunday. He is very concerned at our problems and hopes he can get everything correct so no conflict. I thanked him for the call.

12^th

Spoke to Shirley (cleaner). She asked how we were doing. I told her of the problems we were having and she appeared sympathetic. Asked that we keep a dialogue going with the owners.  I said that we were. Later saw her coming out of shop with owner. It may be that she told her of our concerns but that is only conjecture.

P.  P. introduced herself to the owner and talked to him about the situation

11^th

Closed dining room curtains to have privacy when eating Sunday lunch

9^th, 10^th and 11^th

Small party. Parked two cars in Combe Crescent, both on pavement. One initially opposite our entrance which made it very difficult to get in and out in the car. Moved on Saturday near P and T's but still on pavement.

8^th

Susan Wainwright Fire Services rang. Peter Adams had contacted her – going to inspect but only after we see what improvements are made. Tel: 07500 950 846

Quiet all day – no one in. Camera installed above flat roof.

7^th

Spoke to planning department. No planning needed for change of use from domestic to business but should be a change in rates, (may still be changing over) but Peter Adams thinks there should be. Also concerns of safety. It could be classed as a small hotel. Peter Adams is to contact the Planning Enforcement Officer and get back to us later.

6th

Spoke to Peter Adams 01539 793 430 regarding breach of Covid restrictions. Planning concerns regarding 6 bedrooms. Fire escape?

5^th, 6^th and 7^th July 2021

No one in so able to use the garden in peace for the first time since start of June.

02/07/2021

Group of men (seven) quiet but stayed in the garden drinking until 7.30 a.m. Saturday. Heard by P. and T. at 3.00 a.m. and E. R. at 8 Combe Crescent, Also informed they were heard by E. at the shop when she got up for the papers. Two cars parked on pavement. Played football and cricket (with small bat) two tennis balls in our garden plus two footballs. Spent all day Saturday and Sunday in the garden. Two BBQ's. We moved our position at dining room table and closed curtains whilst eating.

P.  'phoned to complain. Owner apologised and concerned and told her all of the things he had told us. Says he is determined to get it right

28/06/2021

7.15 a.m hot tub maintenance. Garden furniture reset.

Cars of current group who are leaving today are not parked on the pavement.

Cars of new arrivals parked correctly.

All garden furniture moved up the garden

27^th June 2021

Met with the owners in our dining room. Explained our concern and that our lives were being ruined and the distress we were suffering. We gave them the above document to read.

Having read it they expressed concern over the situation and said that they wanted good relations with the neighbours. They were rightly aghast that people had been on the roof. Suggestions as to how they got on and for what reason were mentioned including that of coming from the bathroom window. (Our next door neighbour later told us they had cans of beer with them.)

They stated that they had already contacted the agent they used (Pass the Property) to terminate the contract as they were the ones who had booked in the parties that have caused all of the trouble. They were told specifically the type of groups they should be booking. We asked how this could happen as J and S vet all of their bookings and have refused on occasions to have certain people in.

We mentioned the booking site  that says:

Stone Arthur is an entertainment haven, making you want to return time and again. From the oversized, sun-filled kitchen, black out movie room, cozy fireplace, video game snug, relaxing hot tub, log firepit, and a BBQ for your al fresco dining, the house is curated for your ultimate holiday enjoyment.

Entire home, gardens, hot tub, firepit and BBQ - Enjoy!

We suggested that this type of wording just encourages the young groups who so far have been so much trouble to us.

Concerning playing of games the fourth group must have brought their own equipment as none is provided on site.

Having read the above facts they appeared to understand our situation and agreed that actions must be taken.

They indicated that they would:

Remove the present BBQ, replace it with a smaller version and move it to a more appropriate place in the garden.

Erect tasteful trellis between the two properties from our wooden framework 10 metres towards their gate.

Ensure that the rubbish from the house was suitably contained.

Ensure that the parties who came were families and friends and not similar to those already having been.

Ask that vehicles are not parked on the pavement.

The fire pit to be put out by 9.00 .p.m.

Install a camera to inform them of intruders on the roof.

Discourage the use of music systems outside.

Have notices within the property reminding visitors of the need to respect the neighbours and not to disturb them with loud behaviour.

We parted in a friendly and cordial manner both parties hoping that the problems will be resolved.

24^th June

          On going in to the shop I was asked if we were up until 1.30 a.m. in the hot tub! News of this had obviously got round!

Parking

Parking in this area is not easy due to the main road and the workers at the garage. These workers park in Combe Crescent and each has their “own place”. Please ask those who come not to park on the pavement if at all possible as it makes exiting from Combe Crescent extremely dangerous. Parking on the main road is fine as drivers can then see along the line of the pavement for oncoming traffic.

Work force

As previously stated they were friendly and courteous but two did say to us “Are you going to be alright with this?” Another said that it was ideal for hen and stag parties and “You know what that means”.

Music

This is a quiet neighbourhood. The dwelling is surrounded by retired people in their seventies and eighties. We do not think it is right that their peace is being disturbed.

BBQ

BBQs are fine and we occasionally have one but not every night. Nor do we allow smoke and fumes to permeate into the houses of our neighbours. We have had to close everything up because of it during warm weather.

Games

Together with music and dogs, games are a major source of noise. Ten people playing football, cricket, skittles and other games whilst drinking alcohol is recipe for trouble.

Fire pit

This just encourages late night socialising which keeps us from our dining room and conservatory.

Views

Three properties over look the garden with ourselves the main ones. We see into the hot tub and where the socialising takes place. Any one in the garden can see into our dining room, our kitchen and our conservatory. We have had to move from the rear of our house to the front.

We have lost the use of our garden due to noise and disrupted behaviour. Our quality of life has severely deteriorated and we are deeply distressed by the whole situation.

This location is not the place for this type of holiday let. It is more suitable to a holiday area where young people and families can really enjoy themselves without upsetting the more vulnerable members of the community. It is not the fault of those who come. They are holiday makers. So far we have not said anything to them about the noise and the disturbances they have caused us and our neighbours as we wanted time to see how things would work out. But now we know and it is not very good for us all.

You advertise Kirkby as

“a stunning idyllic village in the Furness area of Cumbria, England. “

Well it was for us but is no longer.

23^rd June

Returned from break to be contacted immediately by neighbours regarding the latest group. They told us of loud noise especially in the evenings and the use of the hot tub until 1.30 a.m. which had woken them. They also told us of members of the group being on the flat roof of the kitchen.

21^st - 24^th June

          Away for a few days break but wondering all the time what it would be like when we returned. Contacted Airbnb as a concerned neighbour and after a long discussion they admitted they have a responsibility to neighbours as they advertise the property. The thread of conversations is still open for further action if necessary. Due to this action the owner contacted us with a request for telephone number. Pass the Property must also have responsibilities as they are the booking agents. We decided that the first action must be to speak to the owners

21ST JUNE 2021

One wonders what considerations were made for the lives of neighbours when the planning of this venture was taking place. On our first meeting we were told that you wanted to do something for disabled people. We are not disabled yet but we are older. The only music we have heard in our location in the past has been an annual event organised by a music teacher who lives just beyond our garden when they sit outside and play their recorders and also the young girl who lived at Stone Arthur singing to herself in the garden.

Group four partied from Friday afternoon through Saturday but after voicing our concerns kindly calmed it down. We could see them in most of the garden but they said they were not looking at us. We don' t want to be thought of as voyeurs!

These groups have most likely contained more than two households contrary to the regulations regarding household socialising during this stage of the pandemic. Is it Airbnb's, Pass the Property's or the owners' responsibility to ensure this does not happen? Has the law been broken?

Although we are older we do like to entertain our friends once or twice a year in the garden. At the moment this seems impossible. We also like to use our dining room to entertain and play cards this also is going to be ruled out. Nor do we want people to feel sorry for us having this situation on our hands when we meet them in the village. At the moment it is virtually impossible for us to walk around without being asked about it.

Group four:

The advanced guard, consisting of young men, arrived on Friday, at about 1.30 p.m. I advised them on some places they might like to go and see. They set about enjoying themselves in the garden drinking and generally exploring the facilities. They started playing cricket with balls being hit into our garden and another neighbour's. When one of  the young men came round for the ball he asked how were we doing. I told him about problems concerning the noise and  the BBQ. He volunteered to move it. That evening we had no smoke in the garden and house. Perhaps they were  relaxing from working with the Covid pandemic. The rest of the party arrived later. Music was played and there was a lot of noise up until 11.00 p.m..

Saturday proved to be very difficult. The whole of the afternoon they spent in the garden playing cricket, football, skittles and other games, and were extremely noisy.

We hadn't been back from our various activities very long when our next door  neighbour, who had been disturbed by it all, came round to discuss the situation. She invited us into their garden where it was a little quieter so that we could escape the goings on and have further discussions. They even offered their garden to us if there are problems when we have visitors.

I spoke with two of the group when we returned from our neighbours and they appeared concerned for our well being. They realised that their actions were not suitable for the location and expressed support. The evening they spent in the garden with the fire pit until a late hour. They went out the following day and then spent the evening round the fire pit.

Groups two and three:

The second and third group were not so disturbing but did share their BBQs with us as the grills were next to our dining room window. All up late sitting in garden drinking.  We could not use our dining room or sit in our conservatory because of the constant chatter.

Group one:

          Family party with two dogs. During a conversation with one of the party to tell him of interesting places to visit he said, “It's set up like a beer garden isn't it?” I sadly agreed with him. It was fine until the children started to tease the dogs that set about yapping and barking. This set off the dog over the other wall. Then the outside music to “be shared by us” began. Our visitor sitting in the garden with us  raised her eyes to heaven and said “This is how it's going to be you know!”  We had to go inside. We could not use our dining room or garden. Smoke from the BBQ came into the house through the open windows. The music stopped at 10.00 p.m. They were round the fire pit until late.

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