**Council Orders Removal of Trampoline Following Neighbour’s Noise Complaint**
A grandmother from Southampton has been left disheartened after Southampton City Council instructed her to take down a large trampoline she had set up for local children, following a neighbour’s complaint about noise and mess. Sixty-seven-year-old Lorraine Roberts, a grandmother of ten, had installed the equipment on a communal green space in her housing estate in February, believing it would be welcomed by fellow residents.
Lorraine explained she felt her neighbours were satisfied with the presence of the 16-foot trampoline, remarking that she had received no direct complaints or negative feedback until the council made contact. According to Lorraine, council officials informed her that an anonymous neighbour had raised concerns regarding the constant noise and disorder arising from children playing on the trampoline throughout the day.
The council’s response was unequivocal—Lorraine was told to remove the trampoline immediately or risk its removal by council workers. The reason given was health and safety, with officials stating that play equipment of this kind could not be safely supervised at all times on public property. Lorraine, who lives only a few steps from the area, expressed her frustration at the decision, arguing she was vigilant regarding any issues and always ensured children stopped playing by 8pm.
Lorraine described the anonymous complaint as “gutless” and felt that the situation could have been handled with more transparency and communication among residents. “It’s a shame that no one talked to me directly about their concerns,” she said. “I believe a conversation with everyone in the close could have avoided all of this.”
For local children, the trampoline offered a valued escape from screens and digital devices. Lorraine noted, “The kids love it—they’re out there all day, and it keeps them active instead of sitting on PlayStations. Yes, they’re noisy, but they would be with or without the trampoline. Now, they might just be bored.”
Southampton City Council released a statement restating their policy against play equipment in shared open spaces, citing the “significant health and safety risks” and the impracticality of monitoring such equipment. They also mentioned residents had access to two well-equipped parks within walking distance, which could be used for outdoor play instead.
The council acknowledged some residents’ frustration, noting, “We understand outdoor play is vital for children, but safety must come first. To give the owner (Ms Roberts) notice, letters were sent so the trampoline could be collected and not simply disposed of.”
On social media, Lorraine shared her disappointment over the matter, questioning why no one approached her directly before involving the authorities. Her post garnered support from others in the community, with residents expressing regret that children were losing a rare opportunity for healthy outdoor play. “Isn’t it better for them to laugh and play than be cooped up indoors?” asked one, while another wondered what the world was coming to if children’s laughter was considered a nuisance.
The issue raises broader questions about how modern communities balance children’s need for outdoor recreation with residents’ expectations for peace and quiet. Lorraine hopes the council could reconsider its approach, advocating for more dialogue rather than unilateral decisions about shared spaces.
Moving forward, Lorraine remains determined to represent the interests of local children who, she says, are “disappointed and upset” about the council’s actions. She and supportive neighbours are seeking a reversal of the decision or, at the very least, a meeting with council representatives to discuss possible compromises. The story serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing shared living arrangements and community cohesion in today’s Britain.