The case follows similar experiences at nurseries in Hampshire and Cornwall, with staff forced to restrict the hours of children's outdoor play (News, 18 August and 15 December 2005; Nursery Business, Spring 2006).
Owner and manager of Little Angels, Viv Bent, said, 'Looking at the abatement notice, we obviously couldn't understand what it was. It said we had to stop the children shouting, screaming or raising their voices within 21 days or we were liable for a fine of up to £20,000. When children are playing, how can you stop them raising their voices?'
Ms Bent is writing to children's minister Beverley Hughes and communities minister Ruth Kelly about the disruption she faced and calling for some protection for nurseries against noise complaints.
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