The service was launched in August 2000 in response to a survey carried out by the council’s noise pollution control unit, which found that around 1,000 noise-related complaints were being made each year.

In 2009 the service dealt with 6,062 complaints, 82% of which related to noise coming from private dwellings.

Seventy per cent of all complaints are made to the night time noise team directly with the most frequent being complaints about loud music and parties.

Under provisions made in the 1996 Noise Act, the service has been able to tackle noisy neighbours by way of warning notices, £100 fixed penalties and, in the most serious cases, a prosecution.

Belfast City Council, which says it is the only local authority in Northern Ireland currently providing this service, believes the new figures reveal a decade of success for the unit.

“Before 2000, the council didn’t operate a night time noise service,” said Suzanne Wylie, Director of  of Belfast City Council’s Health and Environmental Services Department.

“Yet that was when most people were experiencing problems. As a result, complaints were being made to other authorities such as the police, Housing Executive and landlords who didn’t have the power or resources to effectively deal with the issue, thus leaving people feeling frustrated.”

“Excessive noise of any kind can make life a misery and as a council we are committed to enforcing the legislation around noise control where appropriate, to help improve the health and well-being for every resident in Belfast.”

Councillor Ian Adamson, chairman of the council’s Health and Environmental Services Committee, added: “This is a really excellent service which is there for the benefit of all Belfast residents.

“No one should have to put up with noisy neighbours making their lives a misery.”

As well as dealing with complaints about loud music, parties and barking dogs, the council says its noisy neighbour service has also helped raise awareness about the noise nuisance caused by faulty intruder alarms.

The council has powers to take action against faulty alarm systems in the city, and the property owners will be billed for any costs incurred.

In order to prevent such problems, the council is encouraging homeowners and businesses to register their details with us and request a key holder registration form.