A COUPLE who repeatedly disturbed neighbours by playing loud music have been ordered to pay almost £2,000.

Elizabeth Witter and Lucan Wallace, both of Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, were found guilty of being a noise nuisance at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Neighbours complained to Hillingdon Council's noise team about loud, amplified American rap-style music on January 25 this year.

Officers visited the property and issued Witter and Wallace with both a verbal and written warning, but they continued to play their music at unacceptable levels.

A noise abatement notice was served on March 10, but the couple were caught breaching it on August 28 and were told that legal action would be taken against them.

They denied the offence by post prior to a hearing in October but both failed to appear in court for the trial last week.

Witter cited childcare as the reason behind her request for an adjournment, while Wallace has not explained his absence.

An application was made to the court to proceed in their absence, which was granted.

Witter and Wallace were fined £500 each and were also ordered to pay £495 costs each.

Kathy Sparks, deputy director for environment and consumer protection at Hillingdon Council, said: "This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the council will always look to take action against those who cause a noise nuisance and continue to ignore warnings."