A CITY is staging a Noise Action Day today in a bid to cut the number of complaints it receives every year.

Sunderland City Council says the vast majority of the 800 or so complaints it receives each year are due to inconsiderate neighbours and is promoting ways people can make life more pleasant for their community.

The council is using the national Noise Action Day to promote solutions to everyday noise problems and to encourage the public to use the council's mediation service when there are problems.

It will encourage people to carry out DIY chores during working hours and to ensure neighbours have not worked nightshifts, and to get people to leave dogs with other people when going out to prevent the animals barking.

Also, demonstrations and advice on noise issues will be given to more than 200 children at an Eco Rangers event at the city's Herrington Country Park.