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Celine Dion fan Gareth Davies from Strood has sound equipment seized by Medway Council for second time

Despite saying he wouldn't do it again, a Celine Dion fan has had his sound equipment seized for a second time - after continuing to blare out tunes.

Gareth Davies, of Hone Street, Strood, first had his belongings confiscated in April after he breached a noise abatement order six times for playing music including My Heart Will Go On.

Medway Council returned the items to him after a statutory 28 days, but officers witnessed him playing loud music again. His songs of choice included The Smiths, The Boy With The Thorn In His Side and Ice Cold by Vanilla Ice.

Gareth Davies, who has had equipment confiscated by Medway Council for the second time, at home with his dog Alfie
Gareth Davies, who has had equipment confiscated by Medway Council for the second time, at home with his dog Alfie

This time equipment including speakers, an iPod docking station and a 50-inch TV he had bought after the council removed items the first time were taken.

Speaking after the first incident, 47-year-old Mr Davies said: "I should be able to have a machine to see my decibel level so I know where I stand.

"All I'm doing is trying to save my liver because I'm trying to stop drinking. I used to sing one or two songs for 10-15 minutes and that was it."

He believes there should be a rating system to give people an idea what is an acceptable level of noise.

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

He said: "The thing that surprised me the most, considering I have a 2,000-watt amp, is that they complained about my little Bose docking station."

The former window salesman - who has lived in the Victorian terraced house since 1988 - earlier said that once he had his equipment back, it would not happen again.

He added: "I'm constantly wondering about the noise now. This hasn't solved anything. I'm not going to be able to talk to my neighbours again."

The council is now considering a prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act after Mr Davies was heard blaring out music at 6pm.

Magistrates could decide to destroy the equipment in the future.

Gareth Davies' neighbours in Hone Street, Strood, can look forward to some peace and quiet. Picture: Clare Freeman.
Gareth Davies' neighbours in Hone Street, Strood, can look forward to some peace and quiet. Picture: Clare Freeman.

Cllr Peter Hicks, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community safety, said: "Noise can be a big problem for neighbours and that is why we take action so quickly on these matters.

"Nobody deserves to be subjected to noise and we are determined to stamp out this sort of behaviour."

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

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