COUNCIL watchdogs are warning noisy neighbours to be more considerate this summer, and if they don't they could see their stereos taken away.

Kennet District Council environmental health officer officers have already shown they mean business by seizing and destroying a music system belonging to a man in Devizes.

Rob Draper, senior environmental health officer at Kennet District Council, said: "The noise from the man's equipment could be heard up to 300 yards down the road.

"His neighbours were disturbed by the noise during the day and night, it was affecting their sleep.

When first alerted to the noise problem Mr Draper said he and his colleagues warned the man on several occasions and when the noise nuisance continued they served a noise abatement notice on him.

The notice prohibited him from playing amplified music at levels likely to cause a statutory nuisance.

Mr Draper said: "The man breached the notice on at least two occasions so we applied to the court for a warrant to enter his home to seize the music equipment."

The equipment was seized while the man was out and around the same time he was told to leave the flat by owners Sarsen Housing Association. This happened last summer.

Mr Draper said the man was given the opportunity to pay to get his equipment back but he decided it wasn't worth it. Mr Draper said seizing equipment from noise offenders was extremely rare in Kennet.

Last year Kennet District Council received 440 complaints of noise from residents, up from 422 the year before.

He said the vast majority of complaints are resolved by an officer visiting the person complained about and giving them advice. As well as seizing equipment the council has the authority to take legal action which can lead to a maximum fine of £5,000.

The Department for the Environment says amplified music and barking dogs are the most common sources of noise complaints.

Kennet operates a 24-hour call out service to deal with emergency situations and has sophisticated recording equipment to monitor noise levels.

The council also keeps a confidential register of names and contact details of keyholders for intruder alarms. To register call (01380) 724911.

Shhhh...

! Keep the volume down on all TVs, radios and stereos especially at night.

! Avoid placing speakers against party walls.

! Take great care when playing music in gardens or at barbecues.

! Remember that at night and especially after 11pm most people are trying to sleep.

! If you are planning a party tell your neighbours and preferably invite them.

! If you are affected by noise try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware they are causing a problem.

! If you have an intruder alarm you can register your details and keyholders with Kennet District Council. It keeps a confidential register which allows staff to quickly resolve faulty alarms.