A six-foot mechanical polar bear that dances and sings Christmas carols is being investigated by a local council, following noise complaints.
Bernard the Bear bursts into festive cheer when people walk past Loft Café in Shefford, Bedfordshire. However, an enforcement officer from Central Bedfordshire Council said there was an ongoing investigation following a complaint about noise nuisance.
Bernard sings snippets of Christmas songs, including Andy Williams' It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, and is activated either by movement or by pressing a button. He stood outside the café in North Bridge Street throughout last December with no complaints, and has been put away at 4pm every day so far this year.
The owner's son Connor Farndon, described the complaint as "so petty". He commented, "We put the bear outside for the kids to get them in the Christmas spirit and all the kids love him.
"You can't even hear him over the traffic when its standing stationary at the traffic lights outside. It's not the council's fault - they're just following up a complaint. It's the person who's complained who is ridiculous."
A council spokesman confirmed the premises had been visited "on a number of occasions" but that "Bernard has not been deemed a nuisance."
He went on to say, "We have written to both parties, explaining the situation as part of an ongoing investigation.
"The council takes noise complaints seriously and has a legal obligation to fully investigate them, but we also want everyone in Central Bedfordshire to enjoy themselves over the Christmas period and would urge residents and business owners alike to be mindful of their neighbours when planning festivities."
