Tatter bugles are banned

The traditional bugle played by rag-and-bone men in the Black Country has been outlawed under new council rules which label it "noise pollution".

Dudley Council alone has received 16 complaints from residents about the noise disturbance from the bugles since May and now environmental health officers are on the case.

They have been joining police for spot checks on rag-and-bone men as part of Operation Steel, which tackles metal theft, warning that the bugle can no longer be played as they do their rounds.

Letters from the council have also been sent to known scrap dealers in the borough. There have also been complaints about the noise of the bugles in other parts of the region including Stafford and Kidderminster.

Local historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE said the sound of the bugle formed part of the region's heritage.

"Sounds are a vital part of our landscape and of our living history," he said. "Church bells pealing, children playing, and scrap metal merchants playing their bugles - which last for what, a few seconds.

"I fear we are in danger of becoming a homogenised, sanitised and sterilised society, with no individuality, diversity or colour."

Council spokesman Phil Parker said: "Since a joint operation between the council and police in September the authority has received calls complainants to confirm that the collectors are now co-operating with noise issues."