BARKING dogs, burglar alarms and booming music are three of the most common noise nuisance problems that drive hundreds of people in the Leigh area to distraction - including me.

Each year Wigan Council receives more than a thousand complaints from irate residents who have to live with the deafening din created by others.

With a little bit of consideration and common-sense most of this unnecessary stress can be avoided.

This week is Noise Action Week and the council, though it does get involved in a number of disputes between people who have issues about noise, is trying to promote better communication between neighbours.

When the council’s public health team is asked to investigate a noise dispute the team first asks the person making the complaint to keep a diary.

Once evidence has been gathered officers will speak to neighbours to try and resolve the problem. If that fails they have the option of setting up noise monitoring equipment which an be used as evidence.

But in the spirit of prevention being better than cure, the council offers the following advice: Loud music – Make sure speakers are away from adjoining walls and floors and keep the volume reasonable. Earphones may be the answer.

Musical instrument players should consider carefully when and where. Tell the neighbours you will be making a noise, and agree what days and times will cause them least disturbance, then there are less likely to be complaints.

Barking dogs – Dogs are pack animals and the main reasons they bark continuously is due to loneliness, boredom and frustration. Get your dog used to being alone gradually. Always remember to praise the dog for being quiet, not for barking.

Don’t be Alarmed –Residents can contact the public health team to request a form to register key-holder details for times when they are away. This can make dealing with an alarm problem quick and simple, without the need to silence it using legal powers.

Wigan Council’s executive director of environmental services, Gillian Bishop, said: “Noise can affect the quality of life for everyone. It can be annoying and persistent loud noise can cause misery and distress. We are always keen to resolve such problems by talking to all parties and reaching an agreement but if people persist then we are not afraid to take enforcement action.”

For help and advice with unacceptable levels of neighbour noise, residents can call the council’s Public Health Team on 01942 827110 for Wigan and 01942 733349 for Leigh.

Council tenants should contact Wigan & Leigh Housing on 01942 705040.