A VICAR has been told he can carry on ringing his church bell despite protests from locals that it was too noisy.

Reverend Geoff Waggett of Christchurch, Ebbw Vale, was warned he could face prosecution after the tenor bell within the 19th century church began its hourly chimes in August following a silence of five years.

But since the story appeared in the Argus he has had worldwide support from people who demanded the bell should be heard.

It is believed only four residents objected to the noise - two of whom later withdrew their complaint.

Following an investigation of noise levels by officals from environmental health, Blaenau Gwent county borough council told Reverend Waggett they would not take any action against the church currently undergoing the final stages of a £600,000 restoration project.

Messages of support had been sent to the church from as far afield as Italy, France and even New York.

Reverend Waggett said: "We've won but the victory is for the people of Ebbw Vale.

"I think part of the support we have had is a result of another piece of Christian heritage threatened.

"I think the media coverage and public support we have had from far afield over the last few weeks is heartening."

He added: "I'm very grateful to the council leader John Hopkins because I think his personal intervention has resolved the issue so quickly.

"The council could have handled the complaint with a lot more common sense and I would urge them to look at their own procedures because they treated us like somebody who was playing their stereo at 2am in the morning."

Ebbw Vale South councillor Brian Clements said: "It was a pity when the bells stopped and a lot of money has since been spent on putting the church right so I'm glad no action is being taken."