NOISY neighbours, loud parties and barking dogs are among the most reported noise nuisances in Bournemouth, according to new council figures.

The environmental health department received 1,415 noise complaints last year, compared with 1,220 during the previous year.

Almost 900 related to domestic noise from neighbours or parties, while 116 were triggered by barking dogs.

The statistics were revealed after researchers found that more than five million UK residents are annoyed by their neighbours.

A quarter are angered by slamming doors with a similar number disturbed by noisy pets. One in five complaints were sparked by blaring music and party noise.

Consumer group Which? said five per cent of those who had complained about neighbour problems had heard their neighbours having sex.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: “That so many people are losing sleep, getting stressed and struggling at work because of noise from next door shows the damage this does.

“People needn’t suffer in silence. If trying to solve the problem with your neighbour doesn’t work or simply isn’t possible, then get in touch with your local authority who can take action for you.”

Bournemouth council’s environmental health team manager Matthew King said: “Residents are usually very happy to reduce noise once they realise it is causing others a problem and we would encourage neighbours to talk to one another to try and resolve any issues.

“However, if the problem persists a complaint can be made to the environmental health department. Evidence can be gathered through record-keeping, noise recording equipment and visits to establish whether the noise is a statutory nuisance.”

The Borough of Poole received 535 domestic noise complaints last year.

Principal officer Nick Hill said: “We haven’t seen a significant rise but we have seen an increase in reports about door slamming and shouting.

“We are also experiencing an increase in complaints about barking dogs. We always advise residents to talk to their neighbours if they have a problem as often people don’t realise they are causing a disturbance.”

East Dorset council received 309 noise complaints last year while Christchurch council received 193 complaints.

How to deal with neighbour disputes

•Keep a diary of when noise occurs and how long it lasts

• Talk to your neighbour about the problem to see if they will stop doing it

• If there is no change contact your local authority

• If all else fails consider legal action