A NATIONAL noise awareness day gave local people the chance to sound off about noise.

Appearing on the side of buses around Preston over the last few days have been posters promoting'Noise Action Day', on Wednesday June 6.

The aim of the day is to encourage people to consider the noise they make, and to try and reduce the number of complaints the council receives each year about sound.

Over the last year there were 781 complaints made to the council. The summer months always bring with them a rise in the number of problems reported, and the most common culprits are dogs barking and loud music being played outside.

Council Director of Environmental Services, Peter Bulmer, said: We deal with over 700 complaints every year mostly about noisy neighbours. The majority of problems are easily resolved but noise problems can cause real tension and inconvenience."

To offer help to those affected by noise, the 'noise helpline' opened on Wednesday to coincide with the awareness day.

Run by the 'noise abatement society', the only charity organisation to offer help with noise pollution, the line is open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

To get in touch, ring 01273 878782.