A NUISANCE neighbour who blasted out loud music into the early hours of the morning will likely face prosecution after council officers seized their sound equipment.

Colchester Council’s environmental protection team took action after a series of complaints from properties neighbouring a home in Rogation Close, Stanway.

The officers teamed up with Colchester Borough Homes’ anti-social behaviour team and applied for a warrant.

They entered the property and seized sound equipment including a radio, stereo and speakers.

The complainants said excessive music was heard playing continuously, despite the occupier leaving the property at 5.10pm last Tuesday.

Officers determined the radio had been playing at a level considered high enough to be a statutory noise nuisance and was likely to prevent residents from sleeping.

They made efforts to contact the occupier, but were unsuccessful and entered the home with the permission and support of Essex Police.

The action followed a history of noise complaints by neighbours about the property, where a Noise Abatement Notice had already been served on the occupant.

After seizing the equipment, Colchester Council will now look to prosecute the occupant and apply for a forfeiture order on the equipment.

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing and communities, warned the council will use the powers at its disposal, including seizing equipment, to protect residents’ quality of life.

“Actions like this send out a clear message to individuals who fail to heed a noise abatement notice and continue to cause nuisance to their neighbours,” she said.

“Excessive noise and anti-social behaviour make peoples’ lives a misery and can lead to significant stress and even ill health for those affected.”

She added: “I would urge residents to show consideration to their neighbours, so that we can all enjoy our lives free from the disruption of excessive noise.”