OH blimey - neighbour trouble is so stressful.
Once, when a SW, we really truly did have the family from hell on our books. I cannot tell you what they did, for obvious reasons, but even if I did you would simply not believe me. Not only was I trying to deal with the family's problems, but I had many representations from the neighbours, particularly those adjoining, who were in danger of their house going up in smoke. There was a convicted arsonist and chain-smoking man using oxygen next door! I felt so sorry for these neighbours, as it was a pleasant neighbourhood where a family had left their home in the hands of letting agents while they were posted abroad. The agents made a bit of a boob in their vetting procedures.
I think that hilda has suggested a good solution to your problem mollie. And galen I hope that the new neighbours finish their work soon! It is always a shame when you have life settled and new neighbours disrupt the smooth running of life.