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Carol singers could face doorstep ban
A festive snub could see carol singers given the heave-ho-ho from many Lancashire doorsteps.
Householders in the South Ribble area are being urged to turn the volume down on the traditional songsters – by not opening their doors to them.
Homes in Penwortham have already received hand-delivered postcards to put in their doors and windows warning festive revellers not to bother calling because doors won't be opened to them.
The notices have been distributed by Neighbourhood Watch and the Safer Chorley and South Ribble Partnership.
But those in charge of the scheme have been accused of destroying festive cheer.
Police Ch Insp Richard Robertshaw from the partnership said: "Singing Christmas carols is a wonderful tradition which we encourage, as long as children are considerate.
"But while carol singers bring festive cheer to many, we must bear in mind there are residents who for a variety of genuine reasons, are not comfortable with having groups of people at their doors."
He said: "Similar cards were first used two years ago for Halloween, and they have been very effective.
"The scheme has been extended, and I hope carol singers will be as co-operative and understanding as the trick-or-treaters have been.
"Of course the choice of whether to display the cards is down to each individual resident."
One Penwortham resident, who asked not to be named, said: "This card was just put through my letterbox and my first reaction was one of shock. I couldn't believe anyone would be so mean as to publicly turn carollers away. It is hardly in the spirit of Christmas is it?"
The Vicar of Preston Father Timothy Lipscomb is parish priest for the city's Minster, which hosts a spectacular Carol Service.
He said carol singers were part of the Christmas tradition.
He added: "I would hope that Preston people would continue to be traditional."
Fr Timothy said: "It is a terrible state of affairs that people are terrified of answering their doors, so this is what they have to do."
He added: "It is sad that people can't even accept that the reasons people might be doing this (carol singing) are conscientious and noble ones."
Penwortham Churches Together has not discussed the issue but Father Austin Griffin, parish priest at both St Teresa and St Mary Magdalen RC Churches in Penwortham said: "I can understand why some people might be upset and I sympathise with that view.
"There is no way we would want people to feel uncomfortable."
Chief Insp Robertshaw added: "The cards are available from our community police teams and local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.
"They have also been left in libraries and doctors' surgeries for people to collect if they so wish."
Read more on this story in Wednesday's Lancashire Evening Post
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
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