A YOUNG Chester-le-Street man has been banned from playing music in his house after a string of complaints from neighbours.

Durham Magistrates issued an interim anti-social behaviour order against 20-year-old Brad Storey, who lives with his mother in Derwentwater Avenue.

The court heard how the police and council representatives had dealt with numerous calls relating to Storey playing music, much of it containing offensive lyrics at an unacceptably high volume.

Storey recently held an all-night party while his mother was away. The celebrations went on until 7am the next day and only ended when those in the house ran out of drink.

A police spokesman said that several attempts to solve the long-running problem informally have failed, as did an effort last year by Chester-le-Street District Council to curb his excesses by drawing up an acceptable behaviour contract.

Police said that they still intend to apply for a full anti-social behaviour order in late April, which may place even further restrictions on Storey.

They said they had opted to ask for an interim order - the first to be granted in the county - because of an urgent need to provide respite for his neighbours, a retired couple.

The order by the magistrates also prevents him from entering an area around the Hermitage School in Chester-le-Street, where he and several friends have been in the habit of congregating and making life uncomfortable for pupils.

Police said that he has also been caught more than once trespassing on the school grounds. Any breach of the new order could see him jailed.

Durham Constabulary solicitor Chris Southey said: "We are trying to achieve an immediate improvement in the situation and the order sends a clear message to the community that Brad Storey's behaviour is unacceptable.

"Various other methods have been tried and he has totally disregarded the advice offered."

Mr Southey added: "It was vital some action was taken to offer respite for those affected by his actions."