COUNCILS in Worcestershire received more than 2,000 complaints about noise from private homes in the past year.

This resulted in environmental health officers serving 67 noise abatement notices between May 2008 and May 2009.

Across the county, councils confiscated equipment in a number of cases including stereos, televisions and high-performance speakers.

In Worcester there were 254 complaints which resulted in nine notices being served and two confiscations. There were 179 complaints and 23 notices in Malvern, while Wychavon served 14 notices as a result of the 439 complaints it received.

Wyre Forest District Council received 302 complaints and served nine notices, Bromsgrove District Council 504 complaints and 1 notice, and Redditch Borough Council 395 complaints, 11 notices.

Under the Environmental Protection Act, local authorities can take all reasonable and practical steps to investigate complaints regarding noise that may be prejudicial to health or a nuisance.

People who fail to comply with a noise abatement notice issued by a council are liable to fine of up to £5,000.

Steve Williams, technical officer at Worcester City Council’s environmental health team, said: “When we receive a complaint about noise we issue the complainants with diary sheets to document the issues and then we will use tape recorders to confirm them.

“Then we will serve noise abatement notices which tells them to shut up and if they fail to do so then they will be dealt with by the courts. In Worcester, most complaints are due to loud music.”

The research by Rockwool, a manufacturer of insulation material, is based on council responses to a Freedom of Information Act request.

Councils in Worcestershire received a total of 2,073 complaints. Meanwhile, Herefordshire only had 113 complaints about noise pollution, serving three notices.

Rockwool boss Hans Schreuder said: “Noise pollution is a key concern for residents in Worcestershire. Householders rely on their local authority to take appropriate steps to protect their health.

“Living with persistent noise is extremely stressful and can have a severe impact on physical and psychological well-being.

“Across the UK there are huge differences in councils’ treatment of domestic noise complaints. While some focus on mediation and negotiation, others operate a strict policy of enforcement and confiscation of equipment.”