Disharmony in village over 'noisy' musical chimes

Musical chimes installed in a village playground have sparked a noise complaint from people living nearby.

The toy chimes were installed at Lawrance Park in Thurlby, Lincolnshire, in December.

Alison Loughton, who works from home, said the sound was "intrusive and uncomfortable" and she feared it would "be unbearable" when the weather improved.

The park's trustees, who installed the equipment, said they were working with the district council to reduce the impact of the noise on residents.

Loughton said the chimes were affecting her work, sleep and leisure time, because older children and adults rang them at all hours.

People living nearby had not been informed before they were installed and were "expected to just accept it", she added.

Peter Free, whose house backs on to the park, said he did not want to stop children playing the chimes, but adults were the worst culprits.

"If they're played aggressively they're quite loud, especially when someone's trying to play jingle bells. It's atrocious, it really is."

"It's quite annoying, but you don't want to spoil the children playing because the children are marvelous.

"I think the kids have got to play, but if they can make them a wee bit quieter it wouldn't be so bad."

Parents picking children up at Thurlby Community Primary Academy, which is next door to the park, were surprised to hear about the complaint.

Linda Lyon, whose grandchildren enjoyed the chimes, said: "They're fine, shut your windows, you don't have to listen to them."

Mum Sarah Riley said: "They're not quiet, in fairness."

But she added: "I think if you've got a house that backs on to a park and a school, you're going to expect an element of noise. That's just the way it is.

"I don't see why it's that much of an issue. It's just kids having fun."

In a statement, the Lawrance Park Recreation Ground and Community Association, which owns the park, said it added the equipment for those "not wishing, or being able to climb, use swings, slides or roundabouts".

The group made "modifications to reduce the sound" in December and was due to meet representatives from South Kesteven District Council "to see what further action we can take to rectify the disturbance".

"We regret the disturbance this has caused as this was never our intention," the group added.

South Kesteven District Council said an environmental health officer had "visited the site to assess the noise" and was "working with all parties" to explore what action, if any, was required.

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