The Village Church's bell is turned off at night
The hourly chimes of the Dorpskerk bell have been suspended between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. The municipality took this action in response to complaints about noise pollution. The West-Holland Environmental Agency determined that the noise levels did indeed exceed the permitted limit.
In response to complaints about noise pollution, the environmental agency conducted a measurement. The results showed that the hourly chimes produce a noise level of 66.3 dB, while the permitted levels are 65 dB in the evening and 60 dB at night. During the day, the noise standard is 70 dB, and the clock may continue to chime as usual.
Tourist Highlight
“The Dorpskerk, with its organ from 1720, carillon, and bell, is one of the top tourist attractions in downtown Voorschoten,” says Councilman Hubert Schokker. “We regret that the hourly chimes have to be turned off in the evening and at night, but of course we’re complying with the regulations. It is possible to loosen the magnets that control the hammers, but then you’d also hear the bell ringing more softly during the day, and that would be a shame given its beautiful sound. That’s why we chose this solution.”