Church chimes complaint 'not due to bell-ringing'

Bell-ringers have taken to social media to set a resident straight after complaints were made about late-night chimes disrupting peace in the town.

The group, from St Andrew's Church in Shifnal, Shropshire, posted on their Facebook page to explain the overnight chimes were not rung by them but were automated ones from the church clock.

The bell-ringers said they have had messages from a resident who was upset at the noise late in the evening but said they did not influence the hourly chimes.

Their social media post rung true with many people in the community who posted positive responses, praising the sound of the bells.

“We are very lucky to have the bells, I love them. You can’t please everyone but they are part of Shifnal and long may they ring," one posted.

Another added how the bells were a "sweet reminder of home to many".

Reverend Chris Thorpe, from the church, said complaints did occasionally come in, especially when people first moved to the town.

However he said most people, including himself, found the nightly chimes "comforting".

Mr Thorpe emphasised the difference between the bells being rung twice a week and the hourly chimes of the clock, which he referred to as an "amazing piece of history".

He added both made up a "very important part of the community".

The social media post from the bell-ringers said the group rang the bells on Sunday mornings and practiced on Thursday evenings, with the bells also in use on other occasions as well as when requested by the church.

The group said they were "sorry if this tradition upsets you" but believed it was "very important to our church community and should continue".

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