HIS new alarm successfully deterred the burglars. But Kenneth Eggleton failed to make his home council-proof.

He was away on holiday when his alarm went off. And then it went on... and on...

Neighbours put up with the racket for six hours before a crack team of council workers broke into the house and turned it off.

What was a blessed relief for them has turned into a headache for Mr Eggleton. A window forced open, the alarm disconnected and a bill for £370: hardly a happy homecoming.

We sympathise with Mr Eggleton, whose attempt to protect his property backfired. However his experience suggests that noise nuisance is no longer being tolerated - and that is excellent news for the silent majority.

Peace and quiet is at a premium in our crowded city. Burglar and car alarms cause intense annoyance for those close by.

Until recently, it seemed there was little neighbours could do beyond hide their heads under the nearest pillow. Now the council has new peacemaking powers, and is admirably willing to use them.

Mr Eggleton has paid a heavy price for his faulty alarm. But his story will alert other householders to their responsibilities.

To avoid a similar nightmare, all alarm-owners need do is let the council know of a designated key-holder who can turn off the siren in their absence. It's the neighbourly thing to do.

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, November 04, 2004