THREE noisy neighbours who ignored council notices demanding they stop playing loud music have appeared in court and have incurred costs totalling more than �2,000. Appearing at Stevenage Magistrates Court, Jonathan Cuckston, of High Plash in Stevenage,

THREE noisy neighbours who ignored council notices demanding they stop playing loud music have appeared in court and have incurred costs totalling more than �2,000.

Appearing at Stevenage Magistrates' Court, Jonathan Cuckston, of High Plash in Stevenage, was fined �1,000 and ordered to pay Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) �150 in costs.

John Quinn, of Plash Drive in Stevenage, was fined a total of �340 for three separate offences, and ordered to pay �200 costs.

Elaine Mary Smith, of Canterbury Way in Stevenage, was fined �350 and ordered to pay �150 costs.

SBC had served noise abatement notices on all three following a series of complaints from neighbours about disturbance caused by playing loud music. The notices required them not to play music at a level which could be clearly heard outside their properties.

However, they did not comply with the notices and were consequently prosecuted by the council.

Richard Henry, SBC's executive member for safer and stronger communities, said: "Noise can be a nuisance to many people and it is important we consider those who live near us.

"Often noise complaints can be resolved without involving the council, but we are here to help.

"Anyone who is suffering from noise nuisance should feel free to contact us for advice and assistance."

Call the council's environmental health unit on 01438 242908.

In addition, from 9pm on Saturdays until 2am on Sundays, SBC has a noise patrol on duty to help deter formal complaints.

To contact the noise patrol during these hours, call 07810 154914.