A row has erupted in a Lincolnshire village over “unbearable” and “noisy” toy chimes fitted at a local playground last month.
The musical equipment was added to Lawrance Park in Thurlby late last year, prompting complaints from those living nearby.
Alison Loughton, who operates from her home, described the noise as “intrusive and uncomfortable” and expressed concern that conditions would “be unbearable” once warmer weather arrives.
The trustees responsible for the park have acknowledged the issue and confirmed they are collaborating with South Kesteven District Council to minimise the disruption experienced by neighbouring households.
Ms Loughton stated that the chimes were disrupting her work, rest and free time, with older youngsters and grown-ups ringing them throughout the day and night.
She noted that nearby residents received no advance notice before the installation and were “expected to just accept it”.
Peter Free, whose property borders the recreation ground, said he had no wish to prevent children from enjoying the chimes but identified adults as the primary offenders.
“If they’re played aggressively, they’re quite loud, especially when someone’s trying to play jingle bells. It’s atrocious, it really is,” he said.
A row has erupted over chimes installed in a Lincolnshire play park
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THURLBY COMMUNITY HALL AT LAWRENCE PARK
“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 collecting children from Thurlby Community Primary Academy, situated adjacent to the park, expressed surprise upon learning of the complaints.
Linda Lyon, whose grandchildren use the chimes, offered a blunt response: “They’re fine, shut your windows, you don’t have to listen to them.”
The chimes were installed in December last year
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Mother Sarah Riley acknowledged the equipment produces considerable sound, saying: “They’re not quiet, in fairness.”
However, she defended the installation: “I think if you’ve got a house that backs onto 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,” she told the BBC.
The Lawrance Park Recreation Ground and Community Association, which owns the site, explained in a statement that the chimes were installed for visitors “not wishing, or being able to climb, use swings, slides or roundabouts”.
The organisation carried out “modifications to reduce the sound” in December.
They also arranged to meet South Kesteven District Council representatives “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.
The council confirmed an environmental health officer had “visited the site to assess the noise” and was “working with all parties” to determine whether any action was necessary.