My husband and I moved from Halifax to a quiet sub-division in Beaver Bank. We were hoping that giving up the noise-polluted atmosphere of apartment and condo living, not to mention the traffic at all hours of the day and night, would finally allow us the opportunity to spend our "middle years" a lot more peacefully.

Apparently, this is not to be! There was a dog issue the first year but now we have ATV and Motorbike/Dirt Bike issues that are worse. What are the bylaws concerning the incessant driving of an ATV and motorbike (dirt bike) in the person’s own yard next to ours, in daytime and straight into the evening? I'm not talking once in a while... this is every day on and off. They are on their own property and just adjacent to where we live. At certain times, they have driven on the public road or on the playground across from their yard. I am not going to sit in a ditch all day, all summer, with my camera waiting to take a picture of them doing this, either.

During the nice weather, we would love to enjoy our coffee, read quietly, or have supper out on the deck; we'd love to have our windows open to catch some fresh air and warm breezes but we can't because of the noise and smell of exhaust; we'd love to watch TV in the evenings but no matter what we can hear them loudly enough that it is unenjoyable.

We could be like these neighbours, maybe we could hook up our stereo in such a way that it would “blast” them into oblivion but then we’d also be disturbing the neighbours that are quiet. We could probably do all sorts of things to make their life hell but what would be the point in our behaviour emulating theirs? So is what they are doing to disrupt the peace and quiet fair? I think not.

Why are there NO laws concerning this? Why are these types of “toys” allowed to be driven in residential areas and not in a designated area made just for them and away from residents who want only a quiet atmosphere? Where are the people to make this happen and why are they not doing anything? —B