SCHOOLCHILDREN are being targeted as part of a new drive to crack down on noisy neighbours who make life hell for residents.

Last year, Blackburn with Darwen Council served 20 noise abatement notices and led four prosecutions, three seizures and two anti-social behaviour orders because of noise problems.

Council figures show the most common noise complaints regard barking dogs, loud music and shouting.

Council chiefs are making it loud and clear to youngsters what the effect of excessive noise on residents can be. A number of Blackburn schools are being visited by a theatre group to look at the science and social issues surrounding noise in all its forms.

But it is not just the youngsters who are being targeted. The council was also giving out advice on noise problems to residents at a town centre stall run by environmental health officers today.

People were able to get their hands on noise-testing equipment and hear advice from environmental health staff at a special stand in King George's Mall.

The events are being run to coincide with today's National Noise Action Day, an awareness campaign organised by the government, local authorities and environmental health organisations.

St Anne's RC Primary School, Fielden Street; Wensley Fold CE Primary School, Manor Road; and St Barnabas and St Paul's CE Primary School have already been visited by the Skills Base theatre company for lessons and performances all about sound and noise.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's housing and neighbourhoods director Adam Scott said: "Noise affects the quality of life for many people and it's important they know many solutions are available. Our staff are trained to help.

"The school workshops are a fantastic way of helping youngsters understand the impact excessive noise can have on all members of the community."

St Anne's RC Primary School head teacher Stephen Nicholson said: "I think this was aimed at the right age group. They were already quite aware of noise and made lots of interesting observations.

"Interestingly, a lot of children spoke about the noise older teenagers make, especially at weekends, and showed an understanding of how people, especially older folk, have to deal with noise nuisances.

"St Anne's is a town centre school and the children also highlighted traffic and environmental noise they hear around school and at home.

"The science of sound was also discussed, so the activities fitted in with many curriculum subjects."