SPECIAL patrols across East Lancashire could force people causing noise to pay spot fines as local councils take on new powers.

Moves are already underway to set-up a regional task force to deal with the problems caused by disruptive late night parties and loud music.

Under the Noise Act 1996, local authorities are being given wider powers to deal with night-time noise nuisances. But if the new law is used in East Lancashire councils would have to set up a noise patrol to be able to respond to complaints.

Individual authorities would have to pool resources to fund the new teams. Burnley councillor Marcus Johnstone has suggested that the six local councils in East Lancashire, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, could get together to work out a scheme.

The other councils will be approached by Burnley and the subject was discussed by a county-wide meeting of environmental health officers yesterday. Members of Burnley's Public Protection Committee were told that the new Act gives local authorities powers to investigate complaints of noise from domestic dwellings at night (11pm to 7am) and if appropriate to serve a warning notice on the person responsible.

Failure to comply is an offence and can lead to a fixed penalty notice.

The Act re-emphasises the council's ability to seize noise making equipment something Burnley has already put into effect on a handful of occasions.

Environmental Protection Manager, Martin Hodgson, reported that in Burnley complaints about noise nuisance average about one a day.

Barking dogs account for half of the domestic noise complaints, hi-fis, radios and televisions, 40 percent, and rowdy behaviour or DIY activity, the remaining ten percent. He said: "There are very few indeed noisy frequent parties or gatherings of the type that have have produced the noise patrol response in some of the conurbations.''

But Coun Johnstone said: "I am concerned that we are giving the impression that it is a problem we don't have.

"Certainly in my ward we have had an appalling case where a notice was served and which took an awful lot of time

"People had to put up with inconvenience when all-night parties were being held every night. It makes people's lives a misery and it is not just a city problem.

Blackburn Council is aware of the changes to the law and a report is being prepare by environmental health officers.

Senior environmental health officer Craig Sharp said: "This is something we are aware of and we will be looking into.

"This law was bought in to deal with all night parties in major cities but if we do adopt the new powers we will be able to fine people up to £100 on the spot."

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