News / Hotwells
Church bell silenced due to complaints from neighbours
A church bell has remained silent for months following complaints from people living nearby that it is too loud.
The bell at Holy Trinity in Hotwells previously chimed throughout the day but has been silenced while church leaders investigate options, including making a change to the 24-hour ringing mechanism.
But the cost of adjusting the existing mechanism for the bell to ring for only part of the day “would not be inconsiderable” according to a statement.
is needed now More than ever
The statement added: “We sympathise with members of the local community who may be having problems sleeping and we hope that this interim measure will go some way to improve this.
“We also know that some members of the community will be saddened by the interim silencing of the bell, particularly during the day (the current striking mechanism only allows us to operate throughout the day and night or not at all) and we really hope that the community can help us reach a solution that will work for everyone.”
The bell at Holy Trinity on Hotwell Road has been ringing since the church was rebuilt after the Second World War – photo by Martin Booth
The debate has divided the local community of Hotwells and Cliftonwood, with many people offering to pay for a new mechanism to allow the bell to chime for only part of the day.
On Facebook, Hazel Streeter wrote: “I love the bell! I find it useful and comforting, and a part of the character of the neighbourhood. I will be very sad if it stops. I actually like it in the night too, but I understand if some people who live right next to the church find it disruptive. I find large vehicles and motorbikes much more noisy and aggravating.”
Adele Crocker said: “On the hour, every hour, day and night we now have silence. Why would you buy a house, behind a church and then complain about the noise??? The church bells have been ringing since after the second world war when the church was rebuilt. The bells have been part of the character of Hotwells. I have lived here for 30 years and have become used to the bells. Please don’t let a few newbies spoil the character of this unique part of Bristol.”
Ed Banfield Hicks, who lives on Ambra Vale East, added: “We can’t sleep with the window open as they will wake us up consistently and constantly. Even with them closed by 5-6 they often wake me up…
“Although everybody’s thoughts are valid, I’d also argue that absence of infrequent comforting noise in the night for somebody awake is less damaging than interrupted sleep which is widely acknowledged as a key component of poor mental health and wellbeing. Surely a timer is at least a good compromise.”
The clergy team at Holy Trinity also serve St Stephen’s in the city centre – photo by Martin Booth
Main photo by Martin Booth
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