ROWING families, over-enthusiastic vacuum cleaners and blaring music are making life a misery for neighbours.

The problem is getting so bad in some areas that local councils are joining forces to encourage people to make a special effort to cut down the noise - at least for one day.

They have come up with the idea of having a Noise Awareness Day, and the date is set for next Wednesday, July 23.

In Pendle, environmental health officer Stuart Arnott and his team deal with around 600 complaints every year.

They are offering expert advice about solutions to noise problems, and have leaflets giving useful tips and information.

Mr Arnott said: "All of us often make a noise which affects others, and a lot of this noise can be avoided to improve everyone's quality of life.

"The majority of complaints are neighbourhood noises such as barking dogs, TVs, stereos, musical instruments, shouting, vacuum cleaners and D-I-Y activities, to name but a few.

"Many of these complaints can be avoided; all it needs is consideration and respect for neighbours."

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