NUISANCE burglar and car alarms could bring £200 bills for businesses and residents in Ashford.

They are being urged to register extra key holders with the council to cut the amount of unnecessary disturbances.

Adrian Westwood, council spokesman, said the levy would apply when an alarm went off and the key holder was not available.

He said: "The cost covers the officer's time in investigating the complaint, serving a notice, obtaining a legal warrant to break into the property or car, the services of a locksmith to repair the damage and of an engineer to disarm the alarm."

Until the end of the month two additional alarm key holders can be registered free with Ashford council's environmental protection section.

Mr Westwood said: "Anyone who installs a new alarm system or who takes over responsibility for an existing alarm is advised to give the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least two key holders who should not live more than 20 minutes drive away.

"People who have a 24-hour surveillance and call out contract with a security company should also ensure they register the contractor's details."

For more information call the environmental protection section on 01233 330645.