Village left stunned after new resident complains about tradition of church bell ringing every hour

However, Rev Capt Chris Harrington firmly rejected the appeal, stating the automated chimes were an essential part of village life and would not be silenced.

Partridge expressed disbelief at the volume of the bells, which toll every hour through the night.

The bell at St Andrew's Church in Helpringham, Lincolnshire, rings hourly

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The town transplant argued that the hourly chimes were no longer necessary in modern times

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Another villager took a more humorous approach, writing: "I really hope your post was meant in humour, because I will worry that you may hear the cows mooing or the freight trains running."

The local pushback highlighted the strong community attachment to their traditional church bells.

Following the backlash, Partridge acknowledged he might have appeared as a "grouch" and admitted his Facebook post was somewhat "mischievous".

"Coming from a town, I'm just not used to that sort of thing," he explained.

He struck a more conciliatory tone, adding: "I'm sure I'll get used to it like everyone else. I don't want to cause trouble."

Rev Harrington remained steadfast in his position, comparing the church bells to "a grandfather clock in your hallway" that chimes around the clock.

St Andrew's Church, which has stood in Helpringham since around 1200, was restored in 1891.

Rev Harrington emphasised the integral role of the bells in village life, stating: "If you've got a lovely church like this, with a lovely clock on it and a bell, it's great."

He added: "I think most people don't really notice it until it stops."

The vicar concluded with a diplomatic yet firm response to the complaint: "I'm sorry it's affected somebody – but that's just life."