HI-FI systems have been seized from three Kirklees homes after noise nuisance complaints – and more night-time checks are now underway to sort out the ‘neighbours from hell.’

Kirklees Council Environmental Services officers and police seized the equipment under the Noise Act 1996 and Environmental Protection Act 1990 on May 19 from addresses in Abbey Road and Chinewood Avenue at Batley and Commonside in Hanging Heaton.

Their action came after the equipment owners failed to comply with Noise Abatement Notices issued after reports of noise nuisance. Prosecutions are now likely to follow.

Clr Molly Walton, joint cabinet member for environment, said: “It has been National Noise Action Week and we are raising awareness of the effects loud music and other noise can have on neighbours.

“Make sure speakers are away from party walls and floors and keep the volume reasonable and take into account the time of day.”

Playing loud music between 11pm and 7am can result in confiscation of equipment or instruments and fines.

Noise Action Week is an annual initiative co-ordinated by Environmental Protection UK that aims to raise awareness of the problems caused by neighbour noise and the solutions available to tackle it.

It provides an opportunity for local authorities, housing providers, mediation services and all those involved in neighbour noise management to raise awareness of services available and promote practical solutions.

Kirklees Council is also extending the services of its night-time noise team over the summer to include Sundays.

The extended hours started yesterday and run until the end of August.

Any Kirklees resident suffering noise nuisance can call 01484 416600 for a quick response from service, which operates between 9pm and 7am on Friday and Saturday and between 9pm and 3am on summer Sunday nights.

Noise complaints dealt with can range from loud music to barking dogs.

More than 1,900 complaints and enquiries have been dealt with by the team over the past 12 months.

July and August are the busiest times.