Madonna 'too loud', says council

Published on Monday 19 July 2010 16:21

MADONNA has received an official warning from council officers after staff at her London home upset neighbours by staging a noisy party.

Nearby residents complained as loud music and singing ruined what should have been a peaceful Sunday afternoon near the star's Marylebone property.

But it would appear that Madonna was not to blame. While the singer's employees were partying in London, the entertainer was out of the country.

Nonetheless, as the property's listed owner, Madonna was issued with a noise abatement order. The 51-year-old singer was warned any further offence could result in a 5,000 fine.

Westminster City Council was called shortly before 2pm on 27 June following a complaint. Arriving about 30 minutes later, officials deemed the singing and music coming from inside the house to be so loud that it constituted "statutory nuisance".

Noise officers managed to contact the partygoers via the entryphone, at which point it was discovered that the property's owner, Madonna, was not present. A noise abatement notice was served on the revellers through the letterbox, after which the music stopped.

A further notice addressed to the owner was handed to staff in person the following day.

Westminster City Council said the case was unlikely to go to court, but warned that any further offences could see Madonna summoned to appear before magistrates.

Ed Argar, the council's cabinet member for city management, said: "We take the issue of noise pollution very seriously and treat every case alike and fairly, regardless of who owns the property concerned.

"Although we live in a busy city, we all have the right to live in a degree of peace in our homes and enjoy our precious free time."