Noise complaints on the increase

There were 853 complaints about noise in the city last year, compared to 520 the previous year.

More than 40% were about loud music from houses, followed by barking dogs and noisy arguments.

The vast majority of cases - some 80% - were resolved by an informal letter from the council to the noisemaker, a report to members says.

Councillor Connel Boyle, Lead Councillor for Community and Environment, said: "In many parts of the country, noise is a significant cause of disharmony between neighbours, resulting in a large number of complaints to local councils, and Exeter is no exception.

"It is important that everyone has consideration for their neighbours when turning on their stereo or carrying out any noisy activity - particularly in the evening when children and most adults are trying to sleep.

"Whilst we don't want to be party-poopers, people need to be aware that officers are around at night and will use enforcement powers to stop noise nuisance from the small minority who continue to cause problems for others."

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