A14th-century church in Kenton, Devon, could have its chimes silenced after a single complaint from a member of the public.

All Saints Church's clock currently chimes every quarter of an hour and it's thought a new resident in the area, who isn't accustomed to the chimes, has lodged a complaint. 

Rev John Williams, vicar at the church, told the Telegraph that Environmental Health had measured the noise and it's higher than what is permitted under current regulations.

"While some residents don't mind hearing the clock at night and find it comforting, we are nonetheless required to oblige with the law," he said. 

The parochial church council is looking at sourcing £2,000 to buy a mechanism that will turn off the clock chimes at night. However, even if the money is raised, the specialised company that would carry out the work has a full diary for the next year by which time the clock may have been silenced by the local council.

Kenton parish council chairman, Chris Thompson added, that while he had some sympathy with people who aren't able to sleep because of the clock chiming, he didn't understand why anyone would buy a home near to a church with a clock if they didn't expect some noise. 

The church website describes All Saints as "about all people'" and having "a range of styles of church service so that everyone can feel comfortable worshipping. Anyone may come to any service just to watch and see what goes on," it states.