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Celine Dion fan in Hone Street in Strood served with noise order by Medway Council

A lover of cheesy tunes - including the Titanic film theme song - has had his sound equipment seized after neighbours complained.

Gareth Davies, of Hone Street, Strood, breached a Noise Abatement Order six times.

The 47-year-old made his neighbours' lives a misery by blasting out tunes including Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On, James Brown's Love Machine, Apache Indian's Boom Shack A Lack, Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild and the theme tune to Toy Story, You've Got A Friend In Me.

Celine Dion music was too loud for neighbours. Picture: AP/Photo/Rene Macura
Celine Dion music was too loud for neighbours. Picture: AP/Photo/Rene Macura

The former window salesman, who has been living in the Victorian terraced house since 1988, said: "I don't understand why the council have changed their policy on this issue.

"That's why I ignored the notice - I thought I'd get the chance to defend myself."

Mr Davies said it was a horrible experience and estimated the council had removed £3,000 of equipment.

He added the council also tried to take his iPhone and his MacBook as they were removing anything that could make sound.

"It felt like it was a witch hunt," he said. "There’s all sorts of things that make sounds - this is ridiculous!"

He said there should be a rating system so people know what is an acceptable level of sound.

Gareth Davies at home in Strood with his dog Alfie
Gareth Davies at home in Strood with his dog Alfie

Mr Davies was monitored by Medway Council's environmental protection team and officers heard music being played in the afternoon and early evening. He was then served with a Noise Abatement Order.

Following the six breaches, a warrant was obtained from magistrates and officers seized any noise making items from his home. These included a 3D TV, a laptop, speakers, a sound docking station, an ipod, 32 DVDs, CDs and a PlayStation 3.

The equipment is now in storage and Mr Davies can apply to have it returned after 28 days.

Cllr Peter Hicks, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "It only takes one complaint, as in this case, and we will act.

"People have the right to lead a peaceful existence without it being ruined by loud music.

"We won't tolerate this sort of behaviour and anyone who blasts out music or creates other noise nuisance should let this be a warning to them."

Gareth Davies drove his neighbours mad in Hone Street, Strood
Gareth Davies drove his neighbours mad in Hone Street, Strood

Medway Council is considering whether or not to prosecute Mr Davies man under the Environmental Protection Act. Magistrates could decide to have the equipment destroyed.

Last month, officers seized 96 pieces of equipment from a man in Rainham after he was caught playing drum and bass music as early as nine in the morning.

For more information on how to report noise nuisance, visit medway.gov.uk or phone 01634 333333.

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