[Kaz]

Story from Online Daily Record

BIG Brother contestants will be punished if they make too much noise in the garden.

Neighbours were upset by late-night boozy antics on the Channel 4 show, hosted by Davina McCall, last summer.

And when the fourth series kicks off on Friday, contestants will be warned to keep quiet - or else.

If they break the new "good neighbour" rule, they could face food rationing or be ordered to carry out extra chores around the house.

Last year, the late-night rowdy antics of Jade Goody, Kate Lawler and the rest caused a storm of protest from people living near the Big Brother house at Elstree studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

Neighbours say they will try to have the house shut down if the situation does not improve. Programme makers Endemol are now on trial with the local council. And if they fail to stick to anti- noise conditions, they will have to move.

They have already agreed to set up a soundproof shield around the house, pay £2000 a week to the cost of policing the area and clear audiences from the area by 11pm.

Kay Prentice, whose home backs on to the Big Brother house, said: "Endemol appear to be trying their best. They have promised to keep the noise down wherever possible.

"Everything seems to be a big improvement, but we won't be able to judge until the new series starts."

Last summer, Kay said she sometimes had to shout at the housemates to "shut up" at 4am when they kept her awake.

She added: "Hopefully, it won't be like that again. If it is, we would demand the closure of the Big Brother house."

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I do have some sympathy for the neighbours. It was complete madness to build the new BB House slap bang in the middle of a residential area.

I also hope Endemol make a better job of policing the house this year. It was incredible how many people were allowed to get close enough to either shout abuse at the housemates or throw things over the wall. Get your act together!!