RESIDENTS are risking the wrath of God by complaining about what they consider the unholy din of church bells.

Local authorities have been called to investigate noise complaints from homeowners unhappy at living next door to churches carrying out the centuries-old practice of bell ringing.

At least four councils in Sussex have investigated noise complaints against churches, choosing to give informal advice rather than silence the bells as has happened elsewhere in the country.

And it is not just churches that are irking residents into making noise complaints, with scores of complaints also being levelled at schools.

Lewes District Council has received noise complaints about bell ringing in 2011, 2012 and last year – but only gave advice.

The authority has also received nine noise complaints since 2011 about schools, including complaints regarding a wedding party held on school grounds, noise from lawnmowing and noise from an air-conditioning unit.

A school was also given a verbal warning following a noise complaint about a brass band in 2013.

Mid Sussex District Council has also received seven noise complaints against churches with five relating to noise from bells – all of which were resolved informally with advice given.

The authority has received 24 noise complaints against schools since 2011.

Misdemeanours included noise from Zumba classes, discos and a sign that creaked in stormy weather.

Last year, a resident also complained about the mowing of grass at a school.

Crawley Borough Council served a noise abatement notice against one church in 2011 following the playing of loud amplified music during ceremonies.

Further complaints were received about loud music at 3am from a church in 2012 and loud music during worship this year, with the council offering advice on both occasions.

Reverend Steve Daughtery, at Southover Church in Lewes, said: “We had some complaints a number of years back but we get round it simply by saying to people when we plan to bell practise and they seem to be pretty accommodating.

“As society changes, people’s expectations change, but essentially we are just trying to get on together.”

A Mid Sussex District Council spokesman said: “When dealing with noise complaints, our officers always start by encouraging both parties to talk with each other about their concerns and we often find that this informal approach is the most effective way to resolve the issue.”

A Lewes District Council spokeswoman said the authority has a duty to investigate all complaints and take into account a number of factors.