Noisiest neighbours forced to face their own music

The council there is interviewing noise offenders in a custom-made acoustic room, where the distressing sound is played back at the level at which it was recorded.

It is part of a range of initiatives that have seen noise complaints rise by 60 per cent in the borough – which the council says shows its service has improved.

The council has also bought two new pieces of noise monitoring equipment, known as "matrons", increasing its complement to four. These increase the speed of complaints being processed and resolved.

Since the equipment was introduced the number of complaints has risen from 400 in 2008 to 638 so far this year, a 60 per cent increase.

The council said: "It is a known fact that when there are significant improvements to service – as in this case – this usually results in more people complaining."

The authority's work on nuisance noise has seen it come runner-up in a national awards scheme run by the Noise Abatement Society.

Chief executive Gloria Elliott said the council was highly commended in section of the awards for local authorities and worthy of the position.

"The judges were impressed by the council's pro-active partnership initiative and pragmatic approach that is helping reduce excessive noise and improve quality of life in the community," she added.

The council carried out a review of its approach to noise nuisance and consulted with police, housing associations and other agencies before implementing the changes.

Councillor Len Foster, deputy leader of the council, said: "It demonstrates that we are a forward thinking organisation not afraid to change traditional practices.

"Excessive noise is unacceptable and this council has always taken a tough stance on the issue.

"We don't hesitate to prosecute and seize stereos those who make peoples lives a misery.

"I'd like to thank officers for their hard work and our partners, who help us tackle noise nuisance in an effective and robust way."