RESIDENTS of sleepy Southwold are none too pleased with reports that they could soon be neighbours with the county's biggest rockers.For while The Darkness may be hugely popular with music fans up and down the country, announcements by lead singer Justin Hawkins and drummer Ed Graham that they fancy moving to the seaside resort have today been met with dismay by the town's predominantly elderly population.

RESIDENTS of sleepy Southwold are none too pleased with reports that they could soon be neighbours with the county's biggest rockers.

For while The Darkness may be hugely popular with music fans up and down the country, announcements by lead singer Justin Hawkins and drummer Ed Graham that they fancy moving to the seaside resort have today been met with dismay by the town's predominantly elderly population.

It seems the lads, who, along with Justin's brother Dan, hail from Lowestoft, are not welcome in the town as pensioners fear they will not be able to cope with the loud rock music for which they are famed and acclaimed.

Jennifer Hursell, the clerk of the town council, said: "People come to Southwold for a quiet time. They don't come to play their electric guitars on the beach.

"The whole thing is nonsense."

Albert Smith, 77, added: "For me it's not right for our quiet corner of Suffolk. The last thing we need is some kind of heavy metal noise. It would spoil the town's character."

Southwold is well regarded as a desirable location and is much loved by residents and visitors alike for its picturesque setting on the coast and sedate way of life.

Though the town has had many famous residents in the past and is a much sought after location to live, the thought of today's biggest rock band moving in has caused a wave of panic.

But while some fear the impact the potential arrival of Justin and Ed – and whoever they bring with them – will have, not all the town's residents are out of favour with The Darkness.

Some, including 61-year-old Alice Stevens, even admit that the prospect of having such famous neighbours is exciting.

She said: "I think it would be really quite interesting.

"Rock stars in Southwold would be quite the novelty, wouldn't they?"

The Darkness are widely regarded as the current saviours of rock and one of the best British bands of the moment.

Justin, Dan and Ed left their childhood in Lowestoft behind and were joined by Scot Frankie Poullain in pursuing their glam rock dream.

After biding their time they found success earlier this year with singles Growing On Me and I Believe In A Thing Called Love and chart-topping album Permission To Land and have enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top.

Their recent UK tour was a sell out and they are a huge hit with both the public and other artists and singers. Even Tony Blair has admitted to being a fan.

On December 15 they release their new single Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) and will join the battle for the prestigious Christmas number one spot.