SOUTH Ribble residents have been making lots of noise since the nightmare Battersby family moved into Coronation Street.

Complaints about noisy neighbours have soared as the soap has made people more aware of who to call when the din next door gets out of hand - and people won't put up with it any more.

The unpopular Battersbys have caused chaos by playing loud music, arguing rowdily, slamming doors and ignoring pleas for peace from their fed-up neighbours.

Debbie Fairhurst, of South Ribble's environmental services, said: "Since the new family arrived, people are realising the council can deal with noisy neighbours."

Stuart Eteson, of Preston council's environmental health, agreed: "People are more aware of their rights to not have to put up with noise. Complaints have been rising steadily.

"We take a hard line against inconsiderate neighbours. We make recordings of noise, serve statutory notices, take people to court and seize hi-fi equipment. Under the new Noise Act, the council can sell equipment to recoup costs after giving the owner time to pay to reclaim it."

South Ribble Council received 270 noise complaints last year and Preston has amassed 160 in the last three months, mainly regarding loud music and barking dogs.

But other complaints concern cockerels, cockatoos, peacocks and even cows kept in a back garden.

South Ribble Council has set up displays to promote good neighbourliness for this week's International Noise Awareness Day, at Leyland Library and the Civic Centre until July 25.

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