Some shopping centres have banned them, now the police are in on the act. Apparently, some people are frightened of carol singers, so cops in Penwortham, Lancashire, are dealing with the festive joy,

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 ply their joyful hymns elsewhere.

This is what Inspector Richard Robertshaw of Lancashire Police said:

Singing Christmas carols is a wonderful tradition which we encourage, as long as children are considerate.

But while carol singers bring festive cheer to many, we must bear in mind there are residents who for a variety of genuine reasons, are not comfortable with having groups of people at their doors.

Might these be Muslim residents? I’m sure they won’t mind.

How’s this for logic,

Similar cards were first used two years ago for Halloween, and they have been very effective.

The scheme has been extended and I hope carol singers will be as co-operative and understanding as the trick-or-treaters have been. Of course the choice of whether to display the cards is down to each individual resident.

The words plot and lost spring to mind.