MUSIC was being played so loudly in a home at 3.10am one morning that it caused the furniture in a neighbouring property to vibrate. On another occasion, the music could be heard 20 metres away at 4.25am. Both incidents were witnessed by environmental hea

MUSIC was being played so loudly in a home at 3.10am one morning that it caused the furniture in a neighbouring property to vibrate.

On another occasion, the music could be heard 20 metres away at 4.25am.

Both incidents were witnessed by environmental health officers from Stevenage Borough Council.

The evidence they gathered resulted in Emma Louise Caton, of Parishes Mead, Stevenage appearing at the town magistrates' court last week.

She pleaded guilty to ignoring a noise abatement notice on three separate occasions and was fined �400 for each offence. She was also ordered to pay �250 costs and a �15 victim surcharge.

The court heard that the council first received reports of excessive noise from the property in December 2007 and noise abatement notices were served in February 2008 and again in May 2009 but the problem continued.

Cllr Richard Henry, the council's executive member for safer and stronger communities said: "We have a duty to protect people from the irresponsible behaviour of others and this case shows that both the council and the courts take this sort of case very seriously indeed. Anyone who is suffering from noise nuisance is welcome to contact us for advice and assistance."

Anyone who has a problem with noise nuisance can ring the council's environmental health unit on 01438 242908.

From 9pm Saturdays to 2am on Sundays, the council has a noise patrol on duty to respond to complaints. To contact the noise patrol during these hours, call 07810 154914.