A Chepstow couple whose dogs were left to bark for hours on end, creating a public noise nuisance, have been found guilty by magistrates in Abergavenny.

Monmouthshire County Council took out a prosecution against the dog owners in the Bulwark area of the town after hearing how the dogs made life a misery for nearby residents.

Neighbours felt so strongly about the disturbance that they went to court as witnesses.

On November 22, magistrates found the dog owners guilty of non-compliance with a noise abatement notice served on them in June of this year. They imposed a fine of £100 on both owners and costs of £75 each to the local authority.

The verdict was welcomed by the Environ-mental Health Team and by Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Chris Woodhouse, who said, "People have a right to enjoy their property without undue interference from noise, whether it be from barking dogs or loud music. In this case there seems to be a complete lack of consideration shown to neighbours and to their right to peace and quiet. I hope it sends the message that we take noise complaints seriously and where we find evidence of continuing noise disturbance, we will take the necessary action."

While everyone can expect some noise from the people who live around them, excessive noise is a common cause for complaint to the council - over 400 complaints have been investigated by Environmental Health so far this year.

"With Christmas approaching this case is a timely reminder to consider how your lifestyle can impact on your neighbours.

"So, if you're having a party, turn down the volume, particularly if it's late; don't forget that the sounds you enjoy may annoy others; and, finally, train that dog!" said environmental health manager Kim Pugh.