Bournemouth University has fined students hundreds of pounds for house parties and noise complaints under a new disciplinary system.

Senior staff issued fines worth £50 or £75 after receiving more than 200 complaints over the last academic year.

The details of noisy households are passed on by Poole and Bournemouth’s environmental health team and the fines are issued after two warnings.

The new system was one of a raft of measures introduced to improve ‘town and gown’ relations in areas like Winton and Talbot Village.

Winton resident Jan Read, 70, who works at B&Q, said: “The problem is when you hear them come home from a night out at 2am, 3am or 4am, shouting and screaming.

“The new system is good and hopefully they will take notice.”

The university dealt with 202 complaints.

Of those, 159 houses got an initial warning letter, 20 were interviewed with no further action, and 23 got fines of between £50 and £75.

Anson Westbrook, chairman of the Winton Forum community group, said: “Things are definitely improving and the university is trying to do everything possible, but some student behaviour really isn’t good enough.”

One Talbot Village resident reported being woken by a student party despite a closed window, double glazing, and ear plugs.

Talbot Village councillor Stephen Rollo-Smith is trying to change the law in Poole so planning permission is needed to convert a property into a student home.

Bournemouth University has 17,000 students and a spokesman pointed out only a ‘very small’ number generated complaints.

“The vast majority integrate well and make a valuable contribution to the community,” they said.

“We are fully aware of the over-exuberance of students, and will continue to be vigilant.

Complaints are also reported about students at the Arts University College at Bournemouth.