Preacher fined after noisy services ‘drowned out traffic’

Published on 07/04/2012 00:07

A GOSPEL church has been fined after people living nearby complained the services were too noisy.

The deacon, Everton Lewis-Gordon, and pastor Sean Samuel appeared before Nottingham magistrates charged with noise nuisance after residents complained to the local council about the noise coming from services at the New Generation Church in the city.

The charges against the deacon were withdrawn but Samuel was fined a total of £360 and ordered to pay costs of £300 to Nottingham City Council.

Alex Norris, portfolio holder for community safety and area working councillor said: “We have tried everything we can to bring this matter to a resolution without resorting to court.

“Unfortunately, over a prolonged period of time, the unacceptable noise levels – sometimes above the traffic noise on the busy road – have not reduced and we have felt that prosecution was the only option open to us.

“Noise nuisance of all kinds – including amplified music – can seriously undermine people’s peaceful enjoyment.”