Stereos seized to prevent Christmas noise

An assortment of sound equipment was seized

A local council seized music equipment from two houses in Leicestershire in order to prevent its owners creating a nuisance over the Christmas period.

A single stereo system was seized in Barwell and a large quantity of television, home entertainment and music equipment was seized from a flat in Burbage.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said it was preventing the home owners from creating a noise nuisance.

Both premises had been the subject of noise complaints and it was decided that entering the properties and seizing the equipment was an appropriate way of solving the problem.

Everybody is entitled to enjoy their music... but not at the expense of other people's right to enjoy their own property

Robert Parkinson,

Robert Parkinson, the council's environmental health manager, said: "This type of action shows that the council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour causing unreasonable disturbance to residents in the borough.

"It is a last resort measure but will continue to be used when necessary.

"Everybody is entitled to enjoy their music... but not at the expense of other people's right to enjoy their own property."

Seizure of equipment is allowed where a Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 has been ignored and nuisances from excessively loud music are continuing.

The equipment will be held until the cases are heard by the local magistrate's court.

Breaches of the notice can result in fines of up to £5,000.