The line graph illustrates the number of noise-related complaints filed with Environmental Health authorities in Newtown between 1980 and 1996. Overall, it is clear that road works and traffic noise became increasingly problematic, whereas domestic complaints experienced a sharp decline.
In 1980, domestic noise was the primary source of complaints at 650, followed by road works at 500. However, domestic complaints fell steadily throughout the period, dropping to just 80 by 1996. Conversely, road works remained stable at 500 until 1984, before dipping to 400 in 1986 and 1988. From 1990 onwards, this category surged, reaching a peak of 1230 complaints by 1996.
Regarding other sources, factory-related complaints rose from 400 in 1980 to a peak of 750 in 1990, before experiencing a slight decline to 680 by the end of the period. Traffic noise remained relatively low, starting at 300 and dipping to 200 between 1986 and 1988. Following this, it climbed consistently, ending the period at 600 complaints. By 1996, road works had become the most significant source of noise complaints, while domestic issues had become the least frequent.