Barnham resident's audio equipment seized in noise row

Arun District Council's environmental health officers acted after they received complaints about loud music and karaoke singing late into the night.

John Green, the principal environmental health officer at Arun, said: "We always try to settle disputes as quickly and amicably as possible and recommend in the first instance simply talking to the neighbour, as often they do not realise their actions are a nuisance.

"Where this does not work and there is evidence of widespread disturbance, the council will investigate and do what we can to resolve the problem. This case demonstrates that we are prepared to take the necessary action against those who continue to ignore repeated warnings."

The occupants of the terraced house in Barnham, whose identity and location have not been revealed by the council, were first served with a noise abatement order in November 2007, after officers monitored the house and found the noise levels to be unacceptable.

Initially the order appeared to work, but the noise gradually worsened to prompt further complaints to the council by nearby residents.

Following one complaint, an officer went to the house on October 8 to investigate and witnessed the loud music, which breached the terms of the order.

A warrant was obtained by the council from Worthing Magistrates' Court to enable environmental health officers to enter the property and seize the stereo and karaoke equipment. Officers then met with the residents' housing association, and the individual agreed to sign an acceptable behaviour contract.

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