AN anti noise pollution team is going to unusual lengths to promote the sound of silence across a town.

In a bid to bring an end to problems over noise, environmental health officers from Middlesbrough Borough Council have published a guide on how to be a considerate neighbour.

The keyword, says the group, which investigates more than 1,400 noise complaints each year, is consideration.

Officials have produced noise awareness packs with tips on when to carry out noisy DIY jobs in the house, where to position a TV or stereo and advice on managing dogs that bark.

There is also advice on keeping alarms in good order.

"Noise nuisance need not be a problem if people give consideration to others living around them," said environmental health officer Paul Macgregor.

"By following the advice given in the packs, people can conduct a self-assessment to help identify where noise issues may exist with their own homes."

Officials from the public protection and council planning service will be giving packs to shoppers in Middlesbrough centre on National Noise Action Day, tomorrow.

They will also be offering residents who have home burglar alarms, a free and confidential service to register keyholder details in the event of the alarm going off while they are away from home, either at work or on holiday.

If the good advice fails, the alternative is for the council to serve a legal notice, disconnect the alarm and charge the householder a £60 call-out and disconnection fee.

Residents are encouraged to conduct noise audits in their house to identify noisy activities and there are practical solutions to reduce noise.

The council says noise affects everyone's quality of life and can cause disruption and distress, with national research showing that incompatible lifestyles, lack of respect and higher expectations of quiet are the reasons for many complaints.

The council urges residents to be co-operative if asked by a neighbour to reduce noise and discuss differences in a civil manner.