A LATE-NIGHT call-out service to clamp down on noise nuisance has been launched.

Residents in Hartlepool can call 07789-921338 to report loudmusic, rowdy parties and other noise-related problems.

The service operates from 10pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of August.

Heather Deane, the environmental health officer at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We are not killjoys and we do not want to spoil people's fun, but our message is that you can still have a good time without making life a misery for others.

"At this time of the year, people tend to have barbecues in their gardens and noise can carry some distance, particularly at night.

"Some people also tend to return home from a night out and decide that they want to carry on with the party, putting on loudmusic into the early hours.

"We would simply urge people to show some consideration to their neighbours and turn down the volume."

Where a complaint is justified, people will be asked to be more quiet. Failure to do so could result in them being given an abatement notice, which could result in a fine of up to £5,000 if found guilty.