A HOUSEFUL of students have been prosecuted for playing loud music at a Winton property.

Bournemouth council took the six - Anna Chase-Roberts, 21, Georgina Doig, 22, Ike Newman, 21, Zenya Simmons, 21, Oliver Smith, 21 and Caroline White, 21 - to court over claims they had caused a "statutory nuisance" after an abatement notice was served.

The group, all of whom attend Arts University Bournemouth and live at a property in Osborne Road, admitted the charge at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court and were fined between £50 and £100 each.

They will each also have to pay a £20 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £91.48.

A neighbour, who didn't want to give his name, said: "It's not bad all the time, but sometimes it's so loud.

"It'll be 3am, there'll be music and people in the street."

One of the students gave a brief comment when visited by the Echo.

She said the prosecution related to one "gathering", but said neighbours living nearby had been told in advance that there might be noise on that occasion.

"It's just the one house that's complaining," she said.

Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment, said: “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour from anyone - not just students - and are determined to stamp it out.

"Residents deserve to be able to live their lives in peace and should not have to put up with inconsiderate neighbours.

"The students were given an initial notice and warned about their behaviour but this was ignored and breached significantly, leaving us with no choice but to pursue court proceedings against them.

"The students are having to pay the price for their irresponsible behaviour and should act as a deterrent to others.

“Whilst this behaviour is unacceptable it only applies to a minority of students and we get great support from the universities, who take their responsibility to the community very seriously so we will continue to work closely with them.”

Matthew King, the council's community enforcement manager, said his team - who are responsible for responding to domestic noise disturbances - work "very closely and very successfully" with a number of organisations to target noise nuisance.

"Often through communication and engagement with occupants and landlords where required, the matter is dealt with without need for formal action through the courts," he said.

“Since the new noise service was launched, between August 2015 and March 2016, 372 domestic noise reports outside of normal hours have been made resulting in 215 visits by officers and the service of 64 noise abatement notices.

"Including this case, we have witnessed breaches of three of these notices to date.

"Those that didn’t have a visit were reported as finishing prior to arrival or reported outside of the covered hours.

"I would encourage any residents of Bournemouth to contact us if they are suffering noise nuisance outside of normal working hours from other domestic properties on 0800 0281780.

"We cover six nights a week until at least 2am and will attend where possible, taking action as necessary.”