The notice will specify timescales and will be served on the person responsible for the nuisance. The person served with the notice may appeal against it within 21 days from the date on which it was served. Complaints can be made direct to the magistrates, avoiding the need to convince the local authority. Whenever a complaint is received it is important that the clergy, churchwardens 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 complaintants 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, churchwardens and ringers should decide whether or not the complaint is reasonable. Much hinges on the definition of reasonable.