by STACEY HEANEY
AFTER 230 years, the award-winning Church bells
in Hillsborough will no longer ring 24 hours a day. Following
noise complaints from local residents to Lisburn Council's
Environmental Health Department, it was decided to introduce a
night silencer for the bells at St. Malachi's Parish Church from
10pm until 7am. A statement released to parishioners last Sunday
said, "As many Parishioners are aware, complaints have been made
by residents of the village both to our Church and to Lisburn
City Council Environmental Health Department about the noise of
our bells at night. Following discussions with Council officials
and
after investigations by specialist church
bell engineers, the Select Vestry has decided to have a night
silencer unit installed in order to silence the bells and the
clock chimes between 10pm and 7am.
"It is hoped that Parishioners will
understand that this action has had to be taken in view of
present day environmental health requirements regarding noise
pollution."
Councillors discussed the issue at this
week's monthly council meeting and are hoping to resolve the
issue. Councillor Basil McCrea said, "The sound of the church
bells heard throughout the village is an age old tradition which
has brought joy and a sense of community to people for over 230
years. It is unfortunate
therefore that those now living close to the
church find the level of noise to be so uncomfortable that they
feel the need to make a complaint.
"It may seem unreasonable that an activity
which has added colour and character to the village for many
years should suddenly be called into question, but the law does
not take such factors into account. Every avenue must be
explored in an attempt to find a solution to this difficult
situation."
Alderman Paul Porter said, "I hope extreme
measures don't have to be brought in. I would ask the three
individuals who made the complaint to reconsider. The council
are working with groups in the area and hopefully we can resolve
the issue."
