LONDON, England - November 12, 2009 - The sound of carol singers at the door at Christmas is as traditional as mince pies, mulled wine and roast turkey. But one town could be dispiritingly silent this festive season after householders were urged to turn into Scrooge and ban carollers.

Householders are being handed postcards that warn carol singers will not be welcome this Christmas because many residents are uncomfortable with having groups of strangers at their doors.

The cards can then be affixed to windows and doors urging carol singers to sing their joyful hymns elsewhere.

The move in Penwortham in Lancashire has stunned residents and church leaders who say it goes against the message of Christmas.

The Vicar of Preston, Father Timothy Lipscomb, said carol singers were part of the Christmas tradition and branded the postcards as horrible.

He said, “I would hope that Preston people would continue to be traditional. It is a terrible state of affairs that people are terrified of answering their doors, so this is what they have to do. It is sad that people can't even accept that the reasons people might be doing this are conscientious and noble ones.”

One 78-year-old resident, who did not wish to be named, said, “I received one of these cards through my letterbox and I was stunned. There are many Christmas traditions and singing carols is one of the best. If you don't want to spread a little festive cheer then you don't have to open the door. Also, many carollers collect for worthwhile charities and they could suffer as a result of this mean-spirited action. I deplore it and think it is totally disgraceful. It is the opposite of what Christmas (means).”