NOISY neighbours are being placed in the spotlight as part of a drive to bring peace to long-suffering communities.

Environmental health chiefs at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council plan to sound off about the problems with an ear to next week's National Noise Awareness Day.

The move comes after complaints on the issue doubled last year and are set to rise again by the end of this year.

The borough's pollution control team will hold at demonstration at Sudell County Primary School, Darwen, on Monday. Pupils have been given permission to bring in pet dogs for the morning so that barking can be measured with specialist equipment.

Stereos - another common cause for complaint - will also be allowed into the classroom and tested for nuisance value.

Faulty burglar or car alarms are the other noises with cause the most frustration.

Coun Jim Blackburn, chairman of the council's public protection committee, said: "The problems caused by noisy neighbours and neighbour harassment is a growing concern and I am pleased it is being brought to the attention of more people."

Advice to culprits includes keeping the music volume down, wearing headphones and avoiding playing music late at night or early morning.

Dog owners should not leave their pets alone for long periods, keep them fed, watered and exercised and in a place were they will be less tempted to bark.

People with house alarms should return a keyholder form so they can be easily contacted. Forms are available by ringing 01254 585475.

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