A FORMER opera singer is trying to stop schoolchildren singing – because it disturbs her peace and quiet.

The complaints have shocked both the school and parents, who say the objections to five-minute ‘Wake and Shake’ morning sessions are unbelievable and petty.

Trish Symon, who lives opposite the Loders Primary School, moved from Surbiton a year ago.

She says the music is ‘offensive’ and she is not the only person to object. She said: “We chose this village because I have a lot of stress-related illnesses, which means I wanted a nice quiet environment after the hurly-burly of a 26-year career as a professional opera singer.

“This is totally unacceptable in a small rural village.”

Mrs Symon said she has no problem with the everyday school noise.

But her objections have caused outrage with parents and shocked joint headteacher Shirley Gibbs.

She said: “All schools do ‘wake and shake’. The parents that have joined in absolutely love it and the children really enjoy it.

“It is part of our school routine as it is with most schools across the country. With the agenda for obesity and the government’s way of tackling things ‘wake and shake’ contributes to the national agenda as well.

“The complaints were a complete surprise, as far as I know there are two complainants.

“It starts at 9 o’clock and lasts for on average three minutes, 20 seconds. It is a slightly unbelievable picture. We are a Victorian school but we are in the 21st century.”

The district council confirmed they had a complaint and were due to send an environmental health officer to monitor the noise.

Dad Alex Friedman said: “It’s crazy, we’re stunned. I’ve heard some of the holiday cottage owners are concerned it might affect their trade.”