Historic church banned from ringing bell after locals complain about noise
Beith Parish Church in Ayrshire was silenced after a local resident complained
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A church bell which has chimed every hour for 200 years has been banned from ringing following a noise complaint.
The 24-hour bell at Beith Parish Church in Ayrshire was silenced after a local resident complained that the chiming was keeping them up at night.
The resident complained to the council’s environmental health department, who then advised the Church of Scotland to silence the bell.
The bell will now be stopped between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
The bell has been ringing every hour for 200 years (not pictured)
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The Church of Scotland said its members were “empathetic” to noise complaints and was aware that the constant chiming could be frustrating.
A spokesperson said: “The Kirk Session took Environmental Health's suggestion on board, embracing the bible teaching of love thy neighbour as thyself.”
The issue is understood to have been discussed on two separate occasions after an official complaint was lodged with North Ayrshire Council.
Since the banning, locals have circulated a petition which calls for the restoration of the 24-hour chime.
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It currently has over 900 signatures.
The petition was started by Byran McWilliams, who has lived next to the church for twenty years.
He believes that the loss of the bell will result in a loss of community spirit.
He said: "The chiming clock is more than just a timekeeper. It serves as an audible connection to our history and heritage and has been chiming for 200 years.
An official complaint was lodged with North Ayrshire Council
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“Many townsfolk have shared stories about how they've relied on these chimes throughout their lives - from knowing when it was time to head home as children playing in the streets, to relying on them during power outages.
“We understand that everyone's comfort is important. However, we believe that one person's discomfort should not outweigh a tradition loved by many and ingrained in our community for generations.”
The complaint is understood to have been made by a resident new to the village.
Beith Parish Church is over 200 years old.
It was built in 1810 and since that then, there have been discussions about silencing the bell, however the 24-hour chiming always continued.