NOISY neighbours could be a thing of the past as Preston City Council plans to appoint a round-the-clock environmental health team to investigate and respond to noise complaints, alarms and loud music.

A night-time noise service was introduced last year, with team leader George Holroyd on duty on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm-2am, monitoring complaints.

Since Mr Holroyd's appointment there have been 264 calls about barking dogs, alarms and shouting as well as nine prosecutions and 36 noise abatement or warning notices served.

Music equipment has also been seized from ten properties.

But repeat-offenders were becoming wise to the times when the service was in operation so council chiefs have agreed to extend the service to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Noise is a growing problem," said Mr Holroyd. "We are not party-poopers but loud noise, especially late at night, can really get people down.

"We deal with many case and we've had a case where we've had to go back and seize equipment five times.

"Other equipment seized varies from small stereos to full DJ kit with multiple record decks, powerful amplifiers and large speakers.

"We can issue an abatement notice if it doesn't stop. We can then use the courts to enforce this as noise nuisance is criminal law and can result in a person getting a criminal record if convicted."

Funds for the current service will continue until March next year but council chiefs have already submitted a fresh bid to continue on a permanent, full-time basis.

To report a noise complaint people living in Preston can call 01772-794728.