A fire alarm that regularly sounds at Vincentia Woolworths has disturbed a family living in a nearby estate to the extent that they have decided to leave the neighbourhood.
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Fed up with the alarm that goes off at least 20 times each month, loud enough to wake them at night, the Folke family have put their home on the market.
“This alarm is like a living nightmare,” Darren Folke said.
He believes Woolworths staff use the fire exit as an entry door, tripping the alarm day and night.
“We’ve put our house on the market, but it’s going to be an escalating problem for the people living here,” Mr Folke said.
“There’s a lot of elderly people in the street who are bothered by it.”
Shoalhaven Council rangers contacted Woolworths and Centre Management in February 2016, and Woolworths again in May and in August this year regarding noise complaints.
On all occasions, Woolworths responded by allegedly rectifying the problem.
However, Mr Folke maintains the noise problems have been ongoing for two years.
At council’s request, the family has been keeping a noise diary.
They claim the alarm went off 20 times last month.
“It probably goes off more than that, my wife and I work away from home during the day,” he said.
“I’ve had numerous talks with council, and they say they're on top of it.
“They should fine them.”
The maximum fine for a corporation in breach of noise control regulations is $11,000.
“These matters would need to be taken to the Local Court for prosecution,” a council spokesperson said.
“As Woolworths have dealt with the matter on each occasion, council officers have not considered it necessary to bring this before the courts.”
Woolworths responded to the Folke’s concerns in a statement on Thursday.
“We take all issues raised by local residents seriously and work hard to be responsible neighbours,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“Our store is part of the larger shopping centre and we will work closely with Centre Management to address these concerns.”