A four-year-old boy and his parents have been threatened with a whopping £5,000 fine because the little lad apparently makes too much noise playing in his garden.
Little Alfie Lansdell has been told by the local council in Hull to keep the noise down or risk a fine after a neighbour complained he was making too much of a racket playing outside in the family's garden.
Alfie's parents, Simon and Pippa, were sent a letter by the city council's environmental health team, warning them to keep Alfie quiet when he plays outside or be given a fine of up to £5,000. If the noise continues they might also have to pay an extra £500 a day.
The letter makes reference to 'noise nuisance' and a 'child screaming/playing in garden'.
Alfie's dad Simon said he couldn't believe it when he opened the letter, but his shock soon turned to anger:
'When I first opened the letter I was shocked, then I was fuming. Alfie's a lovely little boy. It's only a little yard and we've tried to explain the letter to him. He's trying to be a bit quieter but he's only four - he doesn't realise. I can't believe the council took this complaint seriously. It makes them look very stupid.'
'It's pathetic,' added Alfie's mum, Pippa. 'It's the summer holidays. Kids make noise. What am I supposed to do, gag him and put him in his bedroom? I always watch Alfie when he plays in the garden and he's never that noisy. I just don't understand it.'
A spokesperson for the council said they had to investigate the complaint, adding they had complied with the law by telling Pippa and Simon about the complaint.
Poor Alfie! Have you ever had to defend your children like Simon and Pippa?