The last chants

For yoga devotees, chanting karmic mantras is the perfect way to focus the mind at the start and end of a class. But tell that to neighbours of the Triyoga centre in Primrose Hill. Locals say the choruses of "Ohms" from the busy complex can be heard in their homes and

are making their lives a misery. They have demanded that Camden council take legal action.

Residents first called on borough officials to measure noise from the classrooms in March last year.

Council sound inspectors ruled that the centre's windows and blinds must stay closed during sessions that start after 6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Neighbours then took a bid to restrict the centre's weekend opening hours to the High Court, where their appeal was rejected in September. Now the protesters say the centre has flouted the council's ruling by

leaving blinds and windows open during classes.

They have submitted a diary of infringements to Camden officials, who are serving Triyoga with a breach-ofconditions notice. If chanting is heard outside the centre again, the management could face a fine of ?1,000.

Triyoga boasts a client list that includes Kate Moss, Jade Jagger and Sadie Frost. Fashion designer Matthew Williamson is responsible for its interior. The Erskine Road complex opened in 2000, and its feng-shui atmosphere was an instant hit with the area's aff luent, alternative-minded residents.

Triyoga has since set up a second branch in Covent Garden and another is planned in

Chelsea. Yoga practitioners chant while sitting in the lotus position to improve their concentration on the exercise. But angry neighbours have likened the sound to constant " grunting".

One resident has kept a diary of noises from the centre, which is now in the hands of officials at Camden Town Hall.

In a report on the case, inspectors noticed an open classroom window in September last year. Triyoga blamed the infringement on a forgetful class instructor, and has since put up bigger signs reminding teachers to abide by council rules. Triyoga's boss Jonathan Satin denied that the complex was making neighbours' lives a misery.

He said today: "It's a joke really - the idea that yoga classes are noisy."

He said he asked to see the log- book of noise infringements, but was refused.

Mr Satin added: "We do not even know if these allegationsare true. "If we were told what time these complaints were made then we could find out whether there was a problem or not. Instead we get a very vague statement. It seems they just want to smack us with legal action.

"I'd like Camden council to see that there are two sides of this argument, and not just accept evidence that in my opinion is unsustainable."

In a statement, the council said: "Camden had received complaints from local residents about the centre, which we obviously take very seriously. Our enforcement officers have spoken to the centre manager and have given them the opportunity to comply with the notice.

"A planning consultant will be monitoring the noise levels.

"If he does find that Triyoga are in breach of the conditions we laid out in March, legal action will be taken."