Cambridge's sidewalk chimes--silenced last spring after complaints from neighbors--may be resurrected in the next few weeks to provide Christmas cheer for residents.

The City Council last night directed the city manager to have the chimes mounted on a flatbed truck and parked around the city so that passers-by can play them during the Christmas season.

The "musical fence" may even be parked in Harvard yard, if City Councilor Alfred E. Vellucci, who sponsored the measure, has his way. "I think those students need a little music to help them forget about exams," Vellucci said.

Not Exactly Silent Night

Paid for by the city's arts council, the large vertical xylophones stood in front of City Hall for more than a month last spring, until nearby residents complained that when they were played late at night, they kept the neighborhood awake.

Since then, the chimes have been stored in a warehouse. "What a waste--we have these beautiful chimes and we're not using them," Vellucci said, adding that the only expense involved would be getting someone to drive the chimes out in the morning and back at night.