CHIMES sounded softly across Christchurch cemetery yesterday as visiting Newport councillors tried to decide whether they can remain fixed to trees.

Plans to ban the chimes after nine complaints, caused outrage among grieving families who put them up as a tribute to their loved ones.

The council made a U-turn on their decision to take the "intrusive" chimes down on March 1 after the public outcry, and went out to public consultation.

Part of that was a visit by four councillors from the city council's scrutiny forum to gather evidence for a report they are compiling.

Councillor Tony Gray, forum chairman, said the purpose of the visit was to listen to the wind chimes and get a general impression of the situation. He said: "We've come up here with an open mind."

The group spent an hour walking round the cemetery, listened to the wind chimes and saw colourful charms on the trees.

They were joined by council grounds and countryside manager David Morris who is asking residents to write to him with their views.

From the letters he's received so far, he says 26 are in favour of keeping the chimes and 13 want them taken down.

Councillors may make further visits individually to help them decide what action should be taken.

Councillor Gray said: "I can assure people this will be carried out in a sensitive and open manner and any recommendations to the cabinet member will be taken in the interests of the people of Newport and all who use the cemetery."

Objector Debra Evans, who organised a petition against the proposed ban, said she hoped councillors liked the noise of the wind chimes.

Her young son Kieron is buried there.

If you would like to make your views known, write to David Morris, grounds and countryside manager, Newport City Council, Civic Centre, Newport, NP20 4UR. You can also email david.morris@newport.gov.uk