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World News

Bouncers introduced at village church doors

The measure has been taken in the popular Austrian village of Hallstatt following concerns that some holidaymakers have been seen whispering and taking photos.

The village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has now seen security staff posted at entrances of it's two churches or doors locked once services have begun, to try and deter tourists.

Grave-diggers are also being asked to request that tourists avoid mourners and refrain from using selfie-sticks during funerals.

Pastor Dankfried Kirch was quoted as telling the local newsletter, BezirksRundschau, that visitors are welcomed in during other times and help sheets for guests are now available in Chinese.

He said: "They're really glad when they have information in their own language, as many hardly speak English."

Hallstatt, a salt mining village, enjoys such a prestigous reputation that it inspired the unveiling in 2012 of a replica settlement built in the Chinese city of Luoyang.

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