Row over noisy church neighbours

[Beorn]

Residents living near a church in North Lanarkshire have complained to the local council about the congregation worshipping too loudly.

The Hope United Church in Motherwell, located in a warehouse in a small industrial estate, is attended by about 100 people, many of them teenagers.
Neighbours claimed the noise made by its Christian rock band, and worshippers singing, was unacceptable.

The pastor admitted services were noisy but said the church had improved lives.
The church was set up in January and works with many disadvantaged young people from across Lanarkshire.
As well as a Sunday service it runs youth groups and a football programme.
But some residents living in the residential area opposite the industrial estate have criticised the noise levels coming from the church.

One local, who did not want to be named, said: "It is pretty noisy on a Sunday. You can hear loud music and there is always a lot of people coming and going.
"I have not been particularly bothered but I know other people in the street are unhappy."
Pastor Mark Ralston told the BBC Scotland news website: "I would rather focus on the positive work the church is doing.
"The services are noisy but they last just an hour and a half each week, and only 30 minutes of that is the music."

Noise complaints

He added: "I have heard one of the residents complained about people queuing outside waiting for the church to open on a Sunday, but I think that it a wonderful thing.
"I love the fact kids are queuing up outside a church, rather than queuing up outside an off-licence, or waiting on drugs.
"We are 21st Century church focused on helping turn people's lives around."
North Lanarkshire Council confirmed it had received complaints from residents.
Charles Penman, pollution control manager who investigates noise complaints for the local authority, said: "We are working with the church and with local residents to find a solution that will work for everyone."

Source

I'm firmly behind these people. In a run down part of the world someone is attempting to keep alive a healthy and decent community spirit. It never takes long for the culturally demented and other assorted nowheremen to come along and complain.

[Skandi]

Would they complain about an hour of church bells? No this is simply because the congregation is young that is why they are complaining.

[Treffie]

The Hope United Church in Motherwell, located in a warehouse in a small industrial estate, is attended by about 100 people, many of them teenagers.

So why are the locals complaining?

[Graham]

"The services are noisy but they last just an hour and a half each week, and only 30 minutes of that is the music."

ach well, its a million times better than having a group of neds drinking buckie etc.. and causing trouble. Only for a short time in the week. Most people wont care about the noise , for sure

Worst looking church I've seen though lol