Crackdown on 8,000 noisy neighbours
Residents in the region could face fines of more than £5,000 and having equipment confiscated from their homes if they fail to keep the noise down.
The warnings come as Home Secretary Alan Johnson launched a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour yesterday in his first speech on crime in his new role.
Mr Johnson set out details of a website recording what councils are doing to tackle the problem which will help the public hold town halls to account over what steps they are taking to deal with the issue.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that councils in Devon received 4,598 complaints about noise from private properties in the past 12 months resulting in environmental health officers serving 93 noise abatement notices in a drive to stop neighbourhood noise pollution.
There were 1,938 complaints in Cornwall in the past year leading to action being taken against 26 people. Councils confiscated equipment in five cases, removing stereos, televisions and high-performance speakers as a result of persistent noise pollution.
In Somerset, 1,339 were made about noisy neighbours leading to 13 noise abatement notices.
Exeter City Council dealt with more complaints about noise than any other council in the region and bosses are warning residents that they will get tough in taking action.
Councillor Kevin Mitchell, lead councillor for environment and leisure, said the authority was committed to taking action on noise offenders to improve the quality of life for residents.
He added: "Noisemakers should understand that residents shouldn't have to put up with noisy neighbours and that the council will step in when it needs to.
"We accept that people will have outdoor parties and barbecues over the summer and there's nothing wrong with that.
"All we are asking is for people to respect those living nearby and keep the noise down to an acceptable level."
The city council has issued 36 notifications, confiscated equipment from two properties including stereos and televisions, and has issue an Anti-social Behaviour Order – ASBO – after complaints.
In the past 12 months, the authority received 1,208 complaints about noisy neighbours – more than the unitary authorities in Plymouth and Torbay or any of the county's district councils.
Earlier this month, Mr Johnson said the Government had been guilty of "coasting" on anti-social behaviour issues and pledged to redouble its efforts.
He added: "People will be able to see how many crack houses have been closed, how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued and how many parenting orders have been issued."
The figures were released to insulation manufacturer Rockwool. Managing director Hans Schreuder said: "Noise pollution is a key concern for residents in the Westcountry. Many householders are relying 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 an individuals' physical and psychological well-being.
"Across the UK, there are huge differences in local authorities' treatment of domestic noise complaints. While some councils focus on mediation and negotiation, others operate a strict policy of enforcement and confiscation of equipment."
Under the Environmental Protection Act, local authorities are required to take all reasonable and practical steps to investigate complaints regarding noise that may be prejudicial to health or a nuisance.
Residents who fail to comply with a noise abatement notice issued by a council are liable to a fine of up to £5,000 and a further fine up to £500 for each day on which the offence continues after the conviction.
UK councils received more than 291,000 complaints about noise from private residences in the past year.
Noise has been cited by local authorities as grounds for granting an Asbo in more than 660 cases in this period.
Seven of the top 10 councils ranked by complaints per 1,000 residents are located in London.
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