Plans to keep Big Brother in Borehamwood for the next two years have been halted by local residents, who have demanded changes to the show in reaction to the disruption caused by the 'boisterous' housemates.

At a Hertsmere Borough Council planning meeting last Thursday, fed-up residents from Hillside Avenue — behind the Big Brother house at Elstree Studios — called for planning chiefs to impose tighter regulations before they give plans the go-ahead.

They also called for the show's bosses, Endemol, to keep a stricter leash on the rowdy housemates.

Proposals drawn up by the council, which are yet to be confirmed include; a restriction on the number of live open-air evictions, curfews on housemates who may not be allowed to enter the garden from 12am to 6am; a 24-hour line for concerned residents to call; and more training for security dogs to prevent unnecessary barking.

Residents also asked for less amplified sound and a halt to loud early-morning wake-up calls as well as money to fund more police to patrol surrounding roads.

The lease of the studios in Shenley Road, which is currently held by the council, runs out in 2007, and will then be taken over by whoever wins the bid when it is put out to tender.

Mrs Prentice, who spearheaded the residents' group, the Hillside Householders Association, said: "The selfishness of the housemates is unbelievable. We're woken up at all hours of the night with screaming and shouting from the garden — not to mention wake-up calls and loud noises coming out of the speakers from Big Brother.

"We've put up with it for too many years and something has to be done now. All we've been left with is a trail of broken promises."

Councillor Morris Bright said: "We need to put the residents first. They live here 24/7 — staff at Big Brother go home at the end of the day.

"They shouldn't have to suffer due to the inconsiderate actions of the boisterous housemates."

Housemates have been warned to keep the noise down in the evenings, there is a phone line for locals to voice their complaints to, and Endemol are spending £2,500 a week on extra security.

Before entering the house, contestants are told: "You are reminded that this is a residential area so please respect your neighbours, especially in the evening."

John Parsons from Endemol, said: "We recently held a meeting with all the local residents and addressed some of these issues. We try our best to comply with all the regulations."