A SCHEME targeting noisy neighbours in Times Territory is being stepped up in a bid to keep the peace.

Operation Reprise, a partnership between Welwyn Hatfield Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary which manages late-night noise nuisance, has been extended for an additional night during the week.

The team of environmental health officers and special constables will now investigate out-of-hours noise complaints between 10pm and 3am on Wednesday nights as well as on Friday and Saturdays.

The move is in response to five separate noise complaints on the same night in Hatfield this week.

A council spokeswoman said: “Four of the five incidents were resolved informally by talking with both the complainant and alleged offenders.

“In one instance the team attended Clarkson Court in the Salisbury Village area, having received a report of excessive music noise at 2am.

“Bass music could be heard in the corridor and throughout the block.

“The team attempted to gain entry to the home, but were unable to elicit a response from the occupier.”

A noise abatement notice was served upon the occupiers on Friday, prohibiting the recurrence of excessive noise levels.

If a notice is breached, offenders can be prosecuted and have music equipment seized.

Welwyn Hatfield neighbourhood inspector Ian Grout said: “For the few people who insist on causing a nuisance, we will consider arresting them, which may result in a criminal record.

“Operation Reprise has been very successful in addressing issues before they get out of hand.”

Residents can report noise nuisance by calling police on 0845 33 00 222.