Almost 100% of domestic noise complaints are responded to within one hour by the City of Edinburgh Council's dedicated noise team.

Figures for December 2007/January 2008 show that 99% of the 1070 calls to the noise service were handled within 60 minutes, far exceeding the target of 90%.

The impressive response rate comes as the Community Safety Noise/Emergency Team begins its fourth year operation, having been launched in Edinburgh in April 2005.

The milestone is being marked by new business card-style advertisements to highlight the service and promote awareness among members of the public of what help is available to them if they are experiencing antisocial noise problems from nearby residents.

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Since the launch, the team has received more than 27,000 antisocial behaviour (ASB) noise calls about domestic noise issues, with the top five categories of complaints being (in descending order) Domestic Music (85% of all ASB noise calls); all other Domestic noise (10% of all ASB noise calls); Dog Barking (3% of all ASB noise calls) and DIY noise (2% of all ASB noise calls).

Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader, said: "Residents who are being plagued with noise from their neighbours' loud parties or late-night DIY need not suffer in silence. We would encourage anyone experiencing antisocial domestic noise to take advantage of the extremely successful Community Safety Noise/Emergency Team by calling 0131 311 3131."

The new business cards will be available from local neighbourhood offices, libraries and at Chesser House in the Community Protection unit.

(GK/JM)