Single complaint silences Croxley Green church bells after 140 years

5:10pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

Historic church bells that have rung out over Croxley Green for 140 years have been silenced, following a single complaint from a resident.

All Saints Church on The Green was served with a noise abatement notice on Wednesday by Three Rivers District Council, banning the bells between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

Reverend Miriam Mugan said the historic mechanism which chimes the bell on the hour could not be set to operate between specific times so would have to be deactivated completely in order to comply with the notice.

She said: “It is a single strike on the hour, it doesn’t do the whole ding dong.

“People do sometimes grumble but they generally accept it is a part of village life and get used to it.

“We are looking at what our options are at the moment but we are a church and cannot really bear the cost of an expensive hearing.”

The complaint is understood to have originated from a Windmill Drive resident and prompted an environmental health officer to investigate. They concluded the noise level was indeed above statutory limits.

But residents have been quick to leap to the defence of the church, arguing that the bells are an important part of the community.

Mark Saxon, of Frankland Road, said: “As far as I can tell it is simply one person who lives nearby.

“It is just ridiculous that one person can say ‘I don’t like something which has been going for hundreds of years’ and it’s just stopped.

“I hope a lot of people in Three Rivers will get together and ask the council to reconsider its decision because there are far bigger issues in politics these days than church bells. Church bells are a part of what Croxley Green is all about.”

A Three Rivers District Council spokesman said: “A complaint about noise at night which was disturbing sleep was investigated. We have a legal duty to investigate noise complaints.
“The recipient has 21 days to appeal against the notice.”

Comments(40)

Manic_ says...
5:52pm Thu 27 Sep 12

shame on the complainant. Always have a sense of reassurance when I hear them in the early hours. They should be more worried about the mobile transmitter at the church.

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John Howard Norfolk says...
5:52pm Thu 27 Sep 12

The Environmental Health Officer is a "jobsworth".
When called out to investigate this single complaint they should simply have asked the question "then why did you buy this house?".
We regularly see stories of this type in the national press although the more usual complaint is from a townie who has recently moved to the countryside and doesn't like the smell of fresh air!

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SumBloke says...
6:10pm Thu 27 Sep 12

So, where do we go to complain about the absence of church bells?

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OAC Bailiff says...
7:12pm Thu 27 Sep 12

ridiculouse thats true dont like the bells then why did you buy the house there i would love to live by churchbells or has it taken you 140 years to complain by that age youd be deaf anyway and wouldnt hear them i would certainly complain if i didnt hear them

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The Rover says...
7:52pm Thu 27 Sep 12

If you don't like church bells don't buy a house near a church, if you don't like traffic noise don't buy a house near a main road. Common sense really. What's wrong with these people? I am sure if there were enough complaints to the council that they want the bells back their concerns would be listened to. Come on Watford Observer, do your bit and speak to the council and get a "bring the bells back" campaign running, or get the council to fund a new chime that can be turned off overnight.

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TRT says...
8:32pm Thu 27 Sep 12

"They concluded the noise level was indeed above statutory limits."

But would it be a statutory nuisance? One bong every hour? Hmm... I doubt it.
Ridiculous jobsworths. Perhaps they could add a rotating felt disc to the striker mechanism that takes 24 hours to revolve and has a chunk cut out which coincides with the daytime ringing. That way, you don't interfere with what could be a listed historical mechanism.

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Huntjb says...
9:37pm Thu 27 Sep 12

A ridiculous decision to act on such a single complaint after so many years of tradition. Didn't the complainant notice the church when they bought the house? Maybe they should complain about getting hay fever from pollen on the green!!!!!

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Andrew1963 says...
9:55pm Thu 27 Sep 12

It always amazes me how these sort of complaints gain legitimacy.Like people buying houses under pylons and then wanting the electricity company to move the lines or people moving to a farming community and complaining about the smells!

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John Howard Norfolk says...
10:24pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Can we assume that the complainant is not a churchgoer?

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LSC says...
12:42am Fri 28 Sep 12

A single 'bong' on the hour seems ok to me.
A church near me drones on for ages with the most depressing single tone, time and time again.
Worse, it isn't even a real bell, it is a recording of one in Rome going through a speaker system. Every now and then one of the staff gets all excited about god and turns the volume up.
Very annoying in summer when you want the windows open or are in the garden with friends.

I have complained to them (not the council) but never once had the courtesy of a reply, although they do turn the volume down for a few weeks.
Then they turn it up again.

The sole purpose of the bell is a call to mass, not a celebratory jingle-jangle for a wedding. That was fine when we all worked in the fields and didn't have digital watches.

It amazes me; the reason for it is tradition, but how traditional is a tape recorder and amplifier?

How hypocritical can these people get?

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Nick Lincoln says...
9:17am Fri 28 Sep 12

You chose to live in a house near a church and then complain about the bells?

It's like buying a property near the Houses of Parliament and complaining about the rats.

When did we lose our balls?

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garston tony says...
10:30am Fri 28 Sep 12

Anyone whose recently moved to Windmill Drive will be getting some dirty looks I would imagine.

I recall from when this was reported previously that the complaint was indeed from someone recently moved to the area and I can only agree with everyone else - if you dont like it why move there?

And surely whilst I can see why a complaint needed to be investigated surely the wishes of other residents needed to be taken into account as well? Shouldnt they have been involved in this and if enough of them get together and appeal the decision can it be overturned?

A single chime once an hour is surely not excessive especially when it pre dates anyone who lives within hearing range

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TRT says...
10:38am Fri 28 Sep 12

I believe the tradition of bells at a wedding was to drive away the devil. Nowadays, of course, Satan just has to phone up the local council - problem solved.
What next?
Vampires complaining about the smell from the garlic farms and having them all closed down?

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John Howard Norfolk says...
10:48am Fri 28 Sep 12

I return to my point made earlier: is this a swipe at the church rather than a noise abatement issue?

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LSC says...
11:56am Fri 28 Sep 12

It isn't always easy to find a house out of the sound of bells. After all the entire point of the bells are to be intrusive, that's why they are put in tall towers, so they could heard for miles around and call people without watches to prayer.

In the modern world, with so many differing religions and the many people with no religion at all, I can understand them being irritating as their purpose is redundant.

I personally quite like a peel of bells in the distance, but wouldn't want to live next to a church!

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TRT says...
12:12pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Well, you could always use the number 14 to St. Joseph-the-somewhat-
divine-on-the-hill ballistic missile.

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Toshhorn says...
12:54pm Fri 28 Sep 12

What happened to democracy??
Surely the majority of local residents have to complain before any action is taken.
Typical busy body mentality, Three Rivers should reverse this ridiculous decision and advise the miserable resident that action will only be taken when they are in the majority.
This country is going to the dogs, could you imagine this situation happening to any other type of religiuos institution, No!!!!!
English tradition, culture, way of life doesn't count anymore

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MouseMan100 says...
6:43pm Fri 28 Sep 12

A single complaint?.... Hmmmm

The amount of council tax I pay has kept me awake for years I'd like to complain about that and the number of cars on the road means I'm in serious danger of being run over, I want to complain about that too.... and the rain is too wet and the sun is too bright... and the wind is too windy and the snow too snowy......

Don't worry all you normal Croxley residents, that'll keep the council busy for a while!!!!!

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Masquerade says...
6:55pm Fri 28 Sep 12

This story Is ridiculous, as is the Council's actions. One complaint received and they serve a notice when the church has been ringing bells for 140 years!! I can hear the church bells from my house but I choose to live in a village in the country and I enjoy everything that goes with it. Why should everyone be deprived of the bells because of some moaning, whinging, complaining resident? Does this mean that if ONE person complained about the Revels (a long standing Croxley tradition) that the Council will stop it or if ONE person complained about horses on the road in Sarratt that a ban would be put on that too?? There's nothing more annoying if you're in a hurry than being caught behind a tractor or a horse but it's part of country living. If you don't like it move to the city!!! (London for example, maybe near Westminster Abbey ???)

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OAC Bailiff says...
8:19pm Fri 28 Sep 12

sad complainant sadder council stick there head inside it and wack the bell with a hammer knock some sense into both of them

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Retlas says...
9:59pm Fri 28 Sep 12

I think some people are missing the point of this story. It is nothing to do with the peel of the church bells but the chime of the clock on the hour.
I live approximately 600 yards, as the crow flies from All Saints and I have no problem with it!
I find it ludicrous that one complaint can be upheld with no consultation with any other residents.
I'm sure that Big Ben is as loud if not louder and that will never be silenced!
I find the noise of helicopters and emergency vehicle sirens intrusive but accept them as part of every day life.
Whoever complained should either get some ear plugs or a life, or preferably both.

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Masquerade says...
12:21am Sat 29 Sep 12

It is the clock that chimes that seems to be the 'problem' (but for only one person out of thousands who can hear it). I have lived in Croxley Green all my life and always within the sound of the clock. Can Mr Saxon or the Observer advise on how the other Council tax paying residents of Croxley can appeal this and come to the defence of the clock please. If it is stopped, I for one will be seeking to take this further and stand up for the rights of the residents who think the Council's actions unjust. I would like to know how they can justify their actions in this matter.

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Petroc says...
4:53pm Sat 29 Sep 12

This is indeed the ultimate "jobs worth" response and the Council official should be ashamed of their actions. As indeed should the pathetic person who complained in the first place. All Saint's and it clock has been there a lot longer than they have and the chimes are welcomed by everyone that I have spoken to. There are over 12000 people in Croxley Green but TRDC wastes money on serving this order based on one complaint. This is an entirely inappropriate use of Council money and time and we must advise our Ward Councillors in both District and Parish that it is unacceptable. Council officers responsible for this waste must then be held to account.

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Croxley Comet says...
6:03pm Sat 29 Sep 12

If you agree about the ridiculous noise abatement notice then email your District Councillors via the Three Rivers website www.threerivers.gov.
uk.
Contact your MP at david@davidgauke.com
contact the Parish Councillors via www.croxleygreen-pc.
gov.uk and generally made your views known.

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Hornets number 12 fan says...
1:05pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Thats possibly the most pathetic reason for a noise abatement notice I've ever heard of!!!!! ONE complaint? how can that result in this? A bloody disgrace in my view! I would love to know who complained and what their motive was!

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TRT says...
1:18pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Actually, all this hoo-haa over the Magna Carta recently has made me think. The first article remains un-repealed, and that's the one that enshrines the rights of the Church of England.
"First, that we have granted to God, and by this present charter have confirmed for us and our heirs in perpetuity, that the English Church shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired."

I think that a noise abatement order for a church bell is an impairment of liberties, don't you?

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EmilyB says...
3:25pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Hang on, really?
"The complaint is understood to have originated from a Windmill Drive resident and prompted an environmental health officer to investigate. They concluded the noise level was indeed above statutory limits."
ONE complaint! and the officer served a notice on a church? Is this even what they are supposed to do or has this "jobsworth" just blundered into action without knowing what they are doing I wonder?

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Reg Edit says...
3:32pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Councils should apply the laws and by-laws of the land with some regard to common sense.

Unfortunately, this one didn't. This may well be a reflection of it being Liberal-run or just that the council itself is lacking common sense.

Either way, this stupid ruling needs to be reversed and they need to learn from their mistakes by not doing something so silly again.

The complainant bought a house in hearing distance of the church. They can live with it or move, but silencing the bells should not be an option.

Ridiculous!

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Croxleyresident says...
8:06pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Does this mean that if I buy a house near Heathrow Airport I can complain about the noise and have it shut down?

Shame on the person who complained, but more shame on the council for going along with it!

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Robbie C says...
12:10am Tue 2 Oct 12

I can't believe the arrogance and ignorance of some people. The chime is part of the community and it is shocking that the council gives undue weight to one person's complaint.

I can only make the assumption which others have made that the complainant is new to the area and I can't feel sorry for them as they have chosen to live near a church. I would also go so far to put that the council have colluded in an act of cultural vandalism and should be utterly ashamed of themselves.

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Kevin Snow says...
12:25pm Tue 2 Oct 12

The church has 21 days to appeal - you may wish to share your views with the church.

- on behalf of the communications team, Three Rivers District Council

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Reg Edit says...
6:20pm Tue 2 Oct 12

Croxleyresident wrote:
Does this mean that if I buy a house near Heathrow Airport I can complain about the noise and have it shut down?

Shame on the person who complained, but more shame on the council for going along with it!
Only if Heathrow falls under Three Rivers (or Watford).

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The RatManCometh says...
8:11pm Tue 2 Oct 12

Good Evening Everyone,
I am a "jobsworth" EHO living locally but not working here and I (possibly alone) understand why the Council has to do this, however unpopular it it might appear. Its a process laid down in law and of course the English legal system provides sensible safeguards. I am reasonably sure the officer of the council will have discussed all this with the vicar and explained the rights of appeal. If the church appeals, thier position and circumstances will be explained to magistrates at an open hearing, as will the position of the council and the complainants, who I guess the council will call as a witness. The magistrates will decide the matter and open, transparent justice will be seen to be done. Its a clunky English system envied the world over and no one need worry. If you support the church and live locally and can hear the clock strike the hour and like it, then let the church know. Go to the appeal hearing and ask to speak, get involved. I intend to..... don't just whinge about things on this column - do something real.

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Croxleyresident says...
9:22pm Tue 2 Oct 12

The RatManCometh wrote:
Good Evening Everyone,
I am a "jobsworth" EHO living locally but not working here and I (possibly alone) understand why the Council has to do this, however unpopular it it might appear. Its a process laid down in law and of course the English legal system provides sensible safeguards. I am reasonably sure the officer of the council will have discussed all this with the vicar and explained the rights of appeal. If the church appeals, thier position and circumstances will be explained to magistrates at an open hearing, as will the position of the council and the complainants, who I guess the council will call as a witness. The magistrates will decide the matter and open, transparent justice will be seen to be done. Its a clunky English system envied the world over and no one need worry. If you support the church and live locally and can hear the clock strike the hour and like it, then let the church know. Go to the appeal hearing and ask to speak, get involved. I intend to..... don't just whinge about things on this column - do something real.
OK, The RatManCometh, fair comment, so where do we find out procedure, dates, what we can say and when we can say it? Is there a pamphlet or web site we should go that can guide us?

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The RatManCometh says...
10:49pm Tue 2 Oct 12

I guess you need to keep in touch with the council and check the press for any news of an appeal. Contact the vicar too. Councils and their officers are often caught up in the middle of these disputes and they try to take a fair stance. As for most EHOs they would normally choose to deal with dirty food businesses, bad landlords and negligent employers than be dragged into this sort of thing. But we don't get to choose and maybe this is right, for the law and the courts provide a safety net.
Meanwhile, one of my council's rats has gone missing. Has anyone seen him. He is called Basil ....

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Masquerade says...
1:54am Wed 3 Oct 12

In response to the above comment, could you explain how it is 'fair' to pander to the wishes of one person and ignore the wishes of 12,000 other residents? Why should our Council tax be spent on trying to defend a crazy act by one Council officer who has applied no common sense in a matter that should never have got this far. God knows how many meetings, man-hours, time and money will be wasted on this. Should the Council not be focusing on improvements in the area. Instead of keeping the peace it seems they have started a war caused by acting in the interests of a solitary complainant rather than the majority of their tax paying residents. Shame all the EHOs feel the need to stick together and defend this and not stand up and say what they really think - that they disagree with the actions taken.

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John Howard Norfolk says...
9:30am Wed 3 Oct 12

I think we should be grateful its "only" the silencing of the church chimes. In my new home area the council raided a house and confiscated disco equipment following noise complaints. It would be an immense clanger - sorry - if TRDC removed the church bell!

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The RatManCometh says...
1:35pm Wed 3 Oct 12

I have found out a bit more about this case now from my neighbour. Despite the legal safeguards of the appeal process I think its a complete waste of time, effort and above all money. But at least it has brought the community together! Perhaps we could now form a choir like they did in South Oxhey......

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Croxley Comet says...
3:07pm Wed 3 Oct 12

If it goes to Appeal lets all get down the Magistrates Court and show the bench the strength of feeling and the 'real' community of Croxley Green rather than one single moaner. And I agree, what a total waste of public money, church funds, time and effort. The law is an **** and this sort of incident brings the 'law' into disrepute.

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OAC Bailiff says...
3:19pm Wed 3 Oct 12

the poor old bell wont a peel on that day

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