FIFE has been named as a hotspot for noisy and messy neighbours after a report revealed more complaints had been made there than anywhere else in the UK.

Analysis of UK-wide council data found that Fife Council received a whopping 19,070 complaints about noise, animals, mess and household disrepair in the first nine months of 2013.

It was the only Scottish council named in the UK’s top ten and received significantly more complaints than second-ranked Newcastle City Council, which received 12,239.

More than 460,000 complaints were made nationwide according to the report, which was commissioned by Churchill Insurance.

Martin Scott, from the company, said, “These findings present a worrying picture of the effects other people and properties near our homes have on our lives.

“It’s a reminder to consider that our parties, pets and general property maintenance may be causing our neighbours undue amounts of stress.” But Fife’s record was defended by the council’s Roy Stewart, who said their “proactive” approach to publicising the way concerns can be reported was a factor.

He said, “Although every complaint is investigated fully, not every complaint is upheld. Indeed many, following an initial investigation or even a simple phone call can be resolved.” Gordon Hope, a team leader with the council’s housing department, added, “To say we are the worst in the country is unfair as I think we do our job very well. “We have good mechanisms in place to encourage people to come forward and deal with antisocial behaviour.”