NOISE equipment has been seized from a property in Bridgwater where loud music was repeatedly played despite a number of warnings.

Somerset Council's environmental health team swooped on the premises following neighbours' complaints of disturbance.

A council spokesperson said the occupant had been warned on several occasions.
But environmental health officers decided to take action using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 after several warnings to keep the noise down to a reasonable level were completely ignored, causing disturbance to other people. 

A warrant granted the right to enter the property to abate a significant statutory nuisance being caused by a resident playing prolonged loud amplified music.

The property was entered with the assistance of Avon and Somerset Police and equipment capable of producing the noise nuisance was seized.

A prosecution will now be taken by the council for breach of a noise abatement notice and the council will seek a confiscation order to dispose of the seized equipment.

The spokesperson said operation demonstrates Somerset Council’s willingness, where appropriate, to use its full range of enforcement powers to tackle this sort of anti-social and nuisance behaviour which can seriously affect the quality of people’s lives.

Cllr Federica Smith Roberts, lead member at County Hall for communities, housing and culture said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable.

"Most people show consideration to their neighbours regarding any noise they make, however there are some individuals who don’t show such consideration.

"Our officers will try to persuade them to behave more responsibly. If they don’t, the council has a range of legal powers at its disposal.

"We only take enforcement action when other means of resolving the problem have failed."