For three years I've endure late night music from my next door neighbour. The terraced houses we live in have rubbish sound insulation and whilst I think they have their music quite loud (music-lover volume, should we say) it's not extreme. The problem is rather that it transmits so clearly through the party wall, and worse still the music comes from a stereo on the ground floor but carries clearly to the upper floors and bedrooms. I don't mind hearing footsteps, conversations, etc. - normal activity - because that's the nature of terraced housing, it's just the music.

So I've spoken to the neighbour on several occasions and our exchanges have been a little tense, but civil, and the problem goes away for a short time, only to resurface. I also spoke to her landlord recently and I think he did have a polite word with her, but as I say, the problem always comes back.

I've just reported my complaint online to the council, but I don't know what good it'll do. To be honest, I'm not often home so keeping an adequate diary is going to be tricky, and I wonder how I'll be able to get evidence together. I did also read that if the council won't/can't act you can approach magistrates directly, but I don't have the cash for a legal dispute.

If anyone has any advice I'd be enormously grateful.

Thanks so much
David