Public Nuisance

Question 1

Attorney General v PYA Quarries Ltd.

Answer 1

• Work at a quarry caused noise, dust and vibration nuisance to at least 30 local homes.
• Public nuisance is widespread in its range or discriminate in its effect so that it is unreasonable to expect one person to take action to stop it.

Question 2

Castle v St Augustine Links

Answer 2

• Car windscreen hit by gold ball and driver injured.

- Only those who have suffered injury or damage over and above the general public can sue.

Question 3

Corby Group Litigation v Corby Borough Council

Answer 3

• Children born deformed by work on toxic site.

- Personal injury damages can be claimed.

Question 4

Halsey v Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd.

Answer 4

• Car paintwork damaged by oily smuts.

- Claim can be made in both public and private nuisance. Claim can be made for damaged to property.