General Chat

We live in a semi and our neighbour used to smoke. The smell of stale tobacco was quite unpleasant in our bedroom sometimes. I've no idea where it was coming in from but I must admit I am glad she gave up several years ago before we had to try to find out where the gap is. I would guess that the couple mentioned in this post are living in a council property and would need the council to investigate. Or perhaps they are already having other neighbour problems so couldn't sort it out nicely. If you are a non-smoker and cigarette smoke is getting into your home then it is nasty. While I sympathise with the smokers in this case because they are in their home I can see both sides of this problem. I don't think this is a 'Nanny State' or silly issue but perhaps it should have been sorted out in a friendlier fashion without it getting into the press. Sue

While I can see that there is a statutory requirement to investigate a complaint, what baffles me is how this is a surprise to the smokers. It implies that there has been no attempt to communicate or resolve the problem before approaching the council and indicates an 'I've got a problem, someone else should fix it for me' attitude on the part of the complainant. As someone else said, asking a builder to investigate first would have been a sensible option, and a lot more friendly.

I'd light one for you David and puff the smoke your way, but hey - the neighbours might complain! what a farce! Can I complain about the zits on the teenager next door's face? Jacqui

Well, heard it all now...sad state of affairs!!! My lot all smoke outside in the garden, me too when they are here with the kids (otherwise stuck in the kitchen)...but the smell from bbq's in the summer is awful and in the winter the smoke from log fires are so bad and then it's so cold...ever felt you just can't win... erm...gtg just rolling a fag! Nanna-Moo ;-))

Bob,with respect,why are so many children suffering from asthma,these days?? Less people smoke,dont they?cant be that can it! Its environmental,nothing to do with passive smoking(cigarettes) Asthma was not common among children when I was small,its becoming an epedimic. Yes,your right there are extremely dangerous toxins in cigarette smoke, to a smoker! Cars are by far the major contributor to chest problems,if you live in the city your more likely to have chest problems,even if your a non-smoker,thats a fact!

Agree Teresa. It's been made a nanny state smoking issue for the press. Bob

Bob, its not so much the complaint, but the fact that it has become an investigation. What if the smoking couple get evicted because of it. Is that fair? We'll have to wait for the outcome of said investigation of course, but this really should not have been made public, if all that is needed is a buildings/structural inspection and remedial work.

Roxanne the science behind the dangers of passive smoking is same as that in establishing the dangers of asbestos,benzene etc To argue that the 80 or so known carcinogens found in tobacco smoke are harmless to others is ridiculous. How many children with coked up lungs are needed ? Bob

PMSL David. Daisy

They are not saying people can't smoke in their own homes. The smoke should not be getting next door, if it is then it is also a pathway to other things like CO. This could and has killed. You have as much right to complain about tobacco smells as any other smell or nuisance ( noise etc ) Bob

As a non smoker I find this ridiculous and very hard to believe,we are living in a very silly time im afraid!lol People are so convinced their going to get ill from being 200 yards near a smoker,dont they understand what were breathing on our streets, car fumes and all the other rubbish they pump into our air! Im afraid the government are brainwashing people to the extent that people are more concerned with passive smoking(cigarettes) than the polutants they use daily. the only passive smoking Im concerned about is the awful stinky and extremely carconogenic fumes coming from others exhausts! If you really do your research there is no conclusive evidence to say that second hand cigarrette smoke can cause you any undue harm.

I feel like walking around with a cow bell round my neck shouting ' unclean '. I don't blow it in other peoples faces or anywhere that is restricted. But I am definitely an adult and able to make my own choices. P.C. gone mad again. Lin x

Not only unpleasant but passive smoking is said to be as dangerous to the health if not more dangerous than smoking. however, they would be better employed trying to find out and cure where the smoke is getting in. The council probably can't do anything unless it is their property. Ann Glos

Should I complain about the two farmers who spread slurry on the fields?? Now if she had that smell getting in whenever she opened her door, I would have a bit more sympathy with her. I have sooty smuts all over my car and front door every day from the coal fires of my neighbours. Should I expect them to freeze to death instead? Jay

Ex-neighbour owned cats which forever used our garden as a toilet - could I have complained? Present neighbour has a baby which naturally cries - should I complain? Future neighbours might be into garlic - could I complain? This is absolutely ridiculous, bet she's hoping for a house move from the council or money!!!!!!!

We had neighbours who smoked a lot and yes the smell of smoke does permeate through. It seemed to get through the loft area because it was always strongest in the bedrooms. Not very pleasant for those who don't smoke!!! Thankfully they have now moved. Wendy

As it is a semi maybe there is a gap somewhere between the houses, a loose airbrick or something. i would have thought the complainant would be better getting a builder to investigate, as I would if somebody's smoke permeated into my home. Maybe she complained because the houses are council property. Ann Glos

Barking mad Susie! Gwen......doesn't it feel like it? TOR.......nice pampers! lol

I heard this too!! What a stupid women,how can you complain about that,she obviously has too much time on her handslol What does she do stick her head through her neighbours window!! Idiotic!

TW....how am I? Gasping for a fag! LOL Thanks for that Pink. I would have thought the complainant should investigate her own property to start with to see how it could be getting into her house