The notice will specify time scales and will be served on the person responsible for the nuisance. The person served with the notice may appeal against it to a magistrates' court within 21 days from the date on which the notice was served. Complaints can be made direct to magistrates, avoiding the need to concise the local authority. Whenever a complaint is received it is important that the clergy, wardens and ringers work together to agree the actions to be taken. Confusion can be avoided if it is agreed at the outset that one person should act as spokesperson.
Memories can be very unreliable.
Even if complainants simply do not like the sound of bells, most have a genuine concern which needs to be dealt with quickly, professionally and sympathetically. Often the problem can be resolved amicably at first contact but sometimes more information is required before proper consideration can be given. Irate telephone calls, hearsay and distorted press reports are not a sound basis on which to make decisions which could have a serious impact on future ringing activities. Once the problem is defined, clergy, wardens and ringers should decide whether or not the complaint is reasonable. Much hinges on the definition of reasonable.