As promised here is the first of the Views of BOF. If there is something that you would like BOF to comment on, or you take exception to what they say then you can email them or of course leave a comment on the individual posts.

And the winner of the competition to guess what BOF stands for is ………………….. revealed at the bottom of the post!

If you want to become really rich buy shares in a good hearing aid manufacturing company. Noise is a “booming�? industry leading to a disease mostly caused by the selfish behaviour of others.

“Nonsense�? says the greens. “More damage is done by air pollution contributing to fatal global warming than anything else�?.

Both statements are true but noise is also an invasion of privacy, abuse of personal space, a criminal offence, one of the most debilitating illnesses, extremely difficult to treat and causes much more distress. Perhaps most of all is the effect on life here in Almerimar.

But modern living often includes excessive noise! Discos, car radios with boot speakers loud enough to fill the Albert Hall and irresponsible use of motor bikes by youngsters are often cited as the worst offenders. Mobile phone users who have yet to realise you don´t need to shout are probably the product of having grown up with discos, car radios and motor bikes!

As for barking dogs, day and night, maybe we should lock their owners up with their animals who mostly bark out of fear.

We all have different levels of tolerance to everything and I am amazed and saddened by the lack of understanding of the effects of noise pollution. What I think is excessive is not necessarily what my neighbour thinks. Frankly, I don´t care about what he “thinks�? if I feel abused by excessive noise I am entitled to say so. I am a victim of others´ lack of consideration not the cause.

Sadly we live in a “bullyboy�? society where small groups can impose their habits on those who want to live quietly and peaceably. So what should we do about it? We already have enough rules and regulations governing our lives. We don´t want a “nanny�? state and we don´t want to offend or be in conflict with those amongst whom we live.

I have to say that most of the excessive noise is created by or for young people. That it´s tolerated is not their fault. It´s ours for allowing it in the first place. No good locking the kids up when it´s the parents who have failed them by lack of guidance and discipline. So if it´s our fault we must do more to remedy the problems. We as older people have a duty to account for our lack of parenting skills. The problem is that trying to tell youngsters to keep the noise down is seen as interfering in their fun. What about our fun? Are we also not entitled to the benefits of life without excessive noise? Maybe I don´t have any real answers but perhaps asserting our rights to privacy with some honest reporting to the proper authorities just might make a difference.

A little more enforcement by all of us, including the local police and community leaders would substantially improve life in Almerimar. I´m told that the Spanish Policía Local use very gentle persuasion in such cases. So let´s make it a quieter summer and enjoy our privacy without noise?

And the winner is …….. no not here, right at the bottom of the post.

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.

The winner is Pam Roberts. Congratulations, more than happy to buy you a drink!