BLACKBURN with Darwen Borough Council's environmental health team is making a big noise about winning a top national award.

They have beaten off the challenge of 178 other authorities to lift the Noise Abatement Society prize.

The award has been made for the Council's Schools Noise Action Programme (Snap) which involves authority staff working with primary school teachers and children on a variety of projects, such as measuring noise levels and designing posters.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizens' rights and consumer affairs, said she was delighted with the prestigious award, which reflected the hard work put in by staff.

Last year the Council received more than 2,500 enquiries about noise and the SNAP programme was just one initiative aimed at tackling the problem.

A leaflet, 'Think of Your Neighbours', was also produced. It highlights the most common forms of noise nuisance and explains how to complain.

The council is working closely with the police and there are plans to introduce a mediation service to help solve disputes over noise.

The Noise Abatement Prize will be presented at Meadowhead School, Blackburn, on Friday.