RISING numbers of complaints about noisy neighbours has prompted a new clampdown.

There were more than 1,100 noise complaints to Lancaster City Council in 2001 - and so a stronger policy on noise control is being adopted.

New powers could include the ability to seize offending items such as stereo systems which are played too loud too often.

The main sources of noise complaints in the district were loud music or amplified speech, noisy parties, car alarms and barking dogs, a report says.

And last week the council's Cabinet ag-reed that a stronger line should be taken against offenders.

The policy will also be backed by measures to make local people aware of noise pol-lution', provision of information and attention to good communications.

In this way the Council hopes to minimise the preventable disturbance and distress commonly linked to noise issues.

Cabinet member, Cllr David Barker says: "The council takes problems of noise seriously and it has a range of duties and legal powers that can help. With this decision to revise the policy on noise control we are determined to streng-then our noise control operations."

January 16, 2003 09:00