A MAN had his stereo and speakers seized by environmental health officers after neighbours complained that he was playing his music too loudly.

Neighbours had been keeping a log since July after Michael Lilley from Rochdale played his deep throbbing dance music so loud that it made the ornaments on their mantelpieces shake.

Residents were continually kept awake at night with the sound of the bass and a recorder was installed in a neighbour's house to gain evidence of the disruption.

Lilley, 20, from Henderson Street in Smallbridge, received his first warning on December 1, which he breached twice in just over two weeks.

Warrant

The council was then forced to apply for a warrant from the courts for the removal of all sound equipment so that neighbours could enjoy a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Environmental health officers stripped Lilley's home of its sound system - including two standard size speakers, a hi-fi system, CD player and a further two smaller speakers on December 30.

Andy Glover, public protection manager at Rochdale council, said: "Noise nuisance is a serious annoyance that can leave residents feeling miserable.

"It's unacceptable for such disruption to people's lives to continue, which is why the council takes persistent complaints very seriously.

"Where we can, we will take action against inconsiderate perpetrators and bring relief to victims."

The sound system will be kept in storage for a minimum of 28 days, with the council requiring an application in writing from Lilley before the equipment is released.

Any new equipment purchased by Lilley during the period will also be confiscated and could lead to prosecution.

The council carried out two previous seizures in Rochdale last year, with a 50in plasma TV removed from a couple in March and a woman having her stereo and speakers removed in October.