Salvation Army seeks quieter bells

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PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A New Hampshire Salvation Army leader said the charity will seek quieter bells after a business owner complained to police about the noise.

Salvation Army Capt. Deb Coolidge said the group is seeking a quieter "jingle bell" after Portsmouth business owner Sarah Hamilton-Parker complained to police about the noise from the bell ringers, the Portsmouth Herald reported Thursday.

"We will be sensitive," Coolidge said. "Hopefully, that will be less stressful for her."

Coolidge said bell ringers will henceforth be limited to one per kettle.

"I certainly appreciate that," Hamilton-Parker said. "Anything they can do to knock down that sound."

Hamilton-Parker had earlier said the sound of the ringing bells was causing her to "hate Christmas."