Burrows defends cultural tradition after Abatement Notice issued by MEA Council after Lambeg drum practise

North Antrim UUP MLA Jon Burrows

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has expressed “serious concern” after a local drummer was issued with a Noise Abatement Notice by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for practising the traditional Lambeg drum.

The Ulster Unionist representative said the situation highlighted a worrying trend of councils using environmental enforcement powers in ways that could, in his view, restrict cultural expression and heritage traditions.

Mr Burrows explained that a constituent in North Antrim had contacted him after receiving a formal notice for practising their Lambeg drumming “for short periods during reasonable hours”.

“The Lambeg drum has been played across Ulster for centuries and is deeply woven into our cultural fabric,” said Mr Burrows.

“In a recent incident in North Antrim, a constituent contacted me after receiving a Noise Abatement Notice from Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for simply practising his drumming for short periods during reasonable hours.

“My constituent now has to go to court and appeal the notice just to be able to practice his drumming.”

The MLA described the enforcement action as “disproportionate”, arguing that it could set an unhelpful precedent for cultural activities across Northern Ireland.

“One of the key takeaways I’ve had around this case is the disproportionate nature of such notices,” he continued.

“This prohibits reasonable Lambeg drum practice and fails to recognise the importance of protecting our cultural history and heritage.”

“Cultural expression, not antisocial behaviour”

While stressing that councils had a duty to tackle genuine noise issues and antisocial behaviour, Mr Burrows said that formal notices should not be used in cases involving traditional music or cultural practices carried out responsibly.

“While noise pollution and antisocial behaviour are serious issues that councils must address, I feel it’s vital that enforcement powers are used sensibly and appropriately. Issuing formal notices in these circumstances risks undermining longstanding cultural expression,” he said.

Mr Burrows confirmed that he had written to the Director of Environmental Services at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council requesting a review of the case and urging the authority to seek legal advice on the matter.

“Our local authorities should be dealing with real antisocial behaviour and not trespass into cultural expression,” he added.

For local Unionists the case has highlighted the need to protect cultural traditions such as the Lambeg drum, which has been played for centuries at parades and events throughout Ulster.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been contacted for comment.