Residents in Ventnor were left flabberghasted this week after it was revealed by the BBC that the hourly chime at Holy Trinity Church had been silenced following a single noise complaint from one resident to the council.
Mark Bell, the Treasurer at Holy Trinity Church, told a BBC reporter that following the complaint, readings of the hourly chimes taken by a council officer found the sound levels were above the World Health Organisation (WHO) limit.
He went on to add that four individual environmental health officers had given a subjective view that the noise from the chimes “was a nuisance”.
The complaint was received after the chimes returned to service following a short break whilst repairs were being made.
Congregation committed to getting the chimes restarted
OnTheWight spoke to Hugh Wright, Priest in charge of St Catherine’s, Holy Trinity and Bonchurch churches.
“We’re very grateful for all the support we’ve received, which has been almost unanimous.
“The congregation 100% committed to getting the chimes restarted within the law.”
Hugh said the costs associated with switching off the sound from the chimes during the night hours would be around £2,000.
Amanda Gregory, regulatory services manager at Isle of Wight council, said:
“We understand that many people enjoy the sound of chiming clocks, however having received a complaint about the noise levels we have a legal duty to investigate.
“We are providing advice to the church about reducing noise levels at night and they are working with us to provide a solution to the problem.”
Although a notice has not been served, the church have agreed to stop the hourly chime until the investigation has been concluded.
Thanks to Robert Kingswell for the heads-up.
