Noisy neighbour’s stereo and televisions seized

Kirklees Council officers and police confiscated two televisions, a stereo, a radio cassette player, DVDs and CDs from a house in Healey Lane, Batley.

The owner had been given a noise abatement notice in April, following numerous complaints from neighbours about heavy beat dance music being played so loud that it could be heard clearly on the street.

But music continued at unacceptably loud levels, with some neighbours unable to sleep.

A magistrates’ court warrant to seize the equipment was granted to the council’s pollution and noise team due to the repeated breaches.

Coun Peter McBride, joint cabinet member for place, said: “The fact that we have acted swiftly and seized equipment to protect the rights of local residents sends a clear message that we will not tolerate noise nuisance in our communities.

“Local residents simply want to live peacefully and enjoy their homes without having to endure unacceptable noise from an inconsiderate neighbour. We are delighted that the seizure of the equipment means that peace has been restored to Healey Lane, but investigations will continue in relation to the offences committed.”

Council officers will now prepare a file to submit to the court which may lead to a prosecution for breach of an abatement notice and causing statutory noise nuisance.

This can result in a fine of up to £5000 and the permanent confiscation of the music equipment already seized.