Carpet beating ban scrapped in the Wirral

Residents of the Wirral may not be aware that carpet beating is illegal on the coastland between Meols and New Brighton.

Before most homes had a vacuum cleaner, carpets were beaten using a wooden tool that removed dust and dirt. This was usually done outside, where it created a loud noise. Over 90 years ago, Wirral council passed laws to ban noisy activities on the coast, including carpet beating, to prevent disturbing people from enjoying the peaceful coast. Other specified noises banned included "sounding a noisy trumpet", “wantonly singing”, and "inciting a dog to bark." Breaking these noise bans could result in a £5 fine, the equivalent of £300 in today’s currency.

Wirral Council has announced that it is planning to scrap these outdated noise laws. Paul Martin, a Wirral councillor, went as far as saying that he supports people playing trumpets on the promenade. He said that he was unaware that carpet beating is still illegal or that anyone needed to beat their carpets in Merseyside.

The council points out that making excessive noise outside could still result in prosecutions under the Public Order Act.

A public consultation is required before councils can scrap archaic laws. It is not expected that many Wirral residents will object to making carpet beating lawful.

When you buy a modern quality carpet from a carpet retailer in the Chester or Wirral region, there should be no need to beat it clean. Regular vacuuming and an annual deep clean will keep carpets free from dirt and looking good for many years.