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'Killjoys' halt pub's fun days

11:32am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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A WEYMOUTH pub has been told to forget holding outdoor events in the future after nearby residents complained about noise at a summer garden party.

Hundreds of guests flocked to the New Inn at Littlemoor for the event, organised to bring people together on the sometimes troubled estate.

The problem-free party - featuring a barbecue and live music - was widely advertised and finished at 6pm.

But several residents complained and now council officers have told the Littlemoor Road pub not to stage similar garden gatherings.

New Inn manager Sophie George said: "We just wanted to do something for the community, given all the problems in Littlemoor.

"But apparently, because of the complaints, if we ask to hold outdoor parties again the answer will be no.

"It's a shame that a handful of people can ruin something that hundreds of others really enjoyed.

"It was absolutely packed and there were no problems. We had so much positive feedback.

"Lots of people we'd never seen before came and there were guests in their 70s right down to little ones."

More than 200 people attended the party and enjoyed tunes from local band the Travelling Blueberries.

Licensing and environmental health officials from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council visited the New Inn days later.

They told Mrs George she would not be allowed to stage similar outdoor events with music.

"Apparently it was too loud," she said. "But we cleared it all beforehand and it was in the afternoon, not the evening.

"They said if we hold another one the band has to play inside, we have to keep doors and windows shut and have security to make sure they're not opened.

"That defeats the object of a garden party. I couldn't believe it."

Barry Newman, 63, of Buddleia Close, who attended the garden party, shared Mrs George's dismay.

He said: "Bah, humbug to the one or two killjoys who've put paid to local people's enjoyment and derailed the New Inn's plans in helping to foster community relations.

"Yes it was noisy but it finished in the early evening. Notices were widely advertised and there was no trouble.

"Littlemoor has come under duress over the years due to social misbehaviour and local people are doing their best to correct this and live in harmony.

"This garden party certainly helped in that aim. I sat in the New Inn garden having a great time and left feeling all was right in the world."

West Dorset District Council environmental health manager Graham Duggan said: "We received four complaints from neighbours of the New Inn about loud music.

"Officers contacted their colleagues at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and together they visited the pub to offer advice.

"We'll be writing to the pub advising against the use of amplified music in the garden in the future."

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: "Although this was a one-off event, the number of complaints indicates that the noise disturbance to local residents was considerable."

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ColinKat, Hereandthere says...
12:23pm Wed 2 Jul 08

This sort of thing makes me mad. 4 people complain. 4! For goodness sake. 200 or more people have a good time in an area that, lets face it, needs a bit of a morale boost. A healthy sense of community is instilled, there's no trouble, the pub does some good trade in uncertain times for pubs and the event finishes at 6pm! Thats 6PM! Surely the needs of the community would have been better served if the council visited those 4 complainants and advised them that the event wouldn't be repeated on a regular basis and that it would be a good idea for them to support local initiatives in future. Failing that, maybe THEY should stay indoors and close their windows. Once again a few moaning mini's put a dampener on what was a welcome tonic for the locals. BOOOO!

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Voice Of Reason, Weymouth says...
12:24pm Wed 2 Jul 08

I am sure that the owners of the New Inn are simply trying to make money (and good for them) but amplified mousic OUTSIDE really is not acceptable. I didn't complain about the noise, and live at least 1 mile from the pub, but could hear every word of the music. For those living closer, it must have been unbearable. I am not a killjoy, and like to enjoy myself as much as anyone- however, it is a residential area, and the population is largely older, retired types (I am in my twenties before any smart Alec comments) that don't have their windows wide open with music blaring. What is stopping the owners from simply playing the music inside? Also, I am sure if I played loud music near Mr Newman of Buddleia Close, he would not be overly impressed. Well done to the New Inn for trying, but maybe next time play the music inside?

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Voice Of Reason, Weymouth says...
12:26pm Wed 2 Jul 08

I am sure that the owners of the New Inn are simply trying to make money (and good for them) but amplified mousic OUTSIDE really is not acceptable. I didn't complain about the noise, and live at least 1 mile from the pub, but could hear every word of the music. For those living closer, it must have been unbearable. I am not a killjoy, and like to enjoy myself as much as anyone- however, it is a residential area, and the population is largely older, retired types (I am in my twenties before any smart Alec comments) that don't have their windows wide open with music blaring. What is stopping the owners from simply playing the music inside? Also, I am sure if I played loud music near Mr Newman of Buddleia Close, he would not be overly impressed. Well done to the New Inn for trying, but maybe next time play the music inside?

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KT, weymouth says...
12:52pm Wed 2 Jul 08

6pm finish, I could understand if it was 11pm or 12am. What ever next.

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nige, dorchester says...
1:36pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Voice of reason - You are a complete killjoy. How on earth can you say those things. This was an afternoon event, clearly enjoyed by many but now, because of the likes of you, it will not be allowed again. Collins describes a killjoy as..."Dampener, spoilsport, wet blanket".... and that certainly applies in this case.

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maximus, Weymouth says...
1:40pm Wed 2 Jul 08

I agree with Voice Of Reason. Why can't the band play without amplification, it seems as if volume is equated with quality but unfortunately the reverse is often true nowadays.

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Sidney Hall, Nearby says...
1:54pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Yep, this pub is located in a residential area. It should consider its direct neighbours instead of chalking bitter comments on its walls. Hoping for a witch hunt are we, Sophie George?

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Tim Weymouth Boy, Weymouth says...
5:40pm Wed 2 Jul 08

If I lived closed to the pub and it was noisy I would just go down there and join in. Come on "Voice Of Reason" it's not like it happens all the time and it finished at 6pm. If you want complete silence go live in the country for god sake. Look how much good it did we need more things like this. People like "Voice Of Reason" drive communities apart.

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Atalanta, raising a glass to the New Inn says...
5:48pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Given that the New Inn was there from at least 1871, only those that opposed its building should have a right to complain about any noise now. After all, if you live close by a pub you surely expect noise from it and that means the occasional big do with more than the usual amount.

Of course the pub wants to make money and why shouldn't people support their local businesses while having a good time too? Anything that helps such a community , and Littlemoor certainly needs it, should be encouraged, not told they can't do it again because of a few miserable, moaning whingers!

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dan, Dorchester says...
5:50pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Seems lots of people enjoyed themselves. Good! I ive near a 'family' pub and it very occasionally has a bit of a garden party with moderate music. As far as I know there has not been any complaints and the landlord knows there is a limit to his outdoor events.
The difference with this report is that my local landlord knew he would be the main befificiary and distributed 'free drinks vouchers' to the locals before the event. Maybe some public gesture with a percentage of the profits benefitting the local community (clubs etc) would go some way to easing the opposition.

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DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire says...
5:54pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Hundreds of guests flocked to the New Inn at Littlemoor for the event, organised to bring people together on the sometimes troubled estate.
GO for it !!!
Should be on every evening..
PARTY..PARTY..PARTY
Sod the pooooper locals(both of them)
GET A LIFE???

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Voice Of Reason, Weymouth says...
6:08pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Can everyone stop calling it Littlemoor. It is neither Littlemoor, nor Broadwey. As this area is known locally as both Broadwey and Littlemoor, please refer to it as a blend of both names- ergo "Broad-moor".

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Wessex Lass, Dorchester says...
6:10pm Wed 2 Jul 08

I live near enough to hear noise from Maumbury rings and the Gardens. Instead of sitting in my garden and getting angry about the noise I go to the events and join in!

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Atalanta, says...
6:39pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Voice Of Reason wrote:
Can everyone stop calling it Littlemoor. It is neither Littlemoor, nor Broadwey. As this area is known locally as both Broadwey and Littlemoor, please refer to it as a blend of both names- ergo "Broad-moor".
Historically speaking, the New Inn is actually in Littlemoor, once a hamlet of the parish of Broadwey.

To put it in simple terms for you, it is Littlemoor, Broadwey.

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DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire says...
6:57pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Posted by: Atalanta on 6:39pm today
To put it in simple terms for you, it is Littlemoor, Broadwey.
So, fair comment, but what has this goedemograghy got to do with the subject...or the price of eggs?
BUILD MORE HOUSES + BYPASS + HOME FOR OLD SWANS + OLYMPIC FLATS !!!

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Atalanta, says...
7:24pm Wed 2 Jul 08

DingDonG wrote:
Posted by: Atalanta on 6:39pm today
To put it in simple terms for you, it is Littlemoor, Broadwey.
So, fair comment, but what has this goedemograghy got to do with the subject...or the price of eggs?
BUILD MORE HOUSES + BYPASS + HOME FOR OLD SWANS + OLYMPIC FLATS !!!
Not a lot, except that Voice of Reason had his/her reasoning askew regarding the location.

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nige, dorchester says...
7:38pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Bypass.... ????? You can forget that. Weymouth was being ridiculed on Radio5 live last week as it has been planning to have a relief road for a record 71 years..... There is no way the road will be built before the olympics which once again will make Weymouth the laughing stock of the world...

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MIG, Poole says...
8:00pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Voice Of Reason wrote:
Can everyone stop calling it Littlemoor. It is neither Littlemoor, nor Broadwey. As this area is known locally as both Broadwey and Littlemoor, please refer to it as a blend of both names- ergo "Broad-moor".
Maybe you are all misreading Voice of Reason, It could be that the comment is intended as humour or maybe there is a suggestion that the area is occupied by the Criminally Insane?

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Voice Of Reason, Weymouth says...
8:04pm Wed 2 Jul 08

This debate is facinating. The strength of feeling in people is truly admirable. I stand corrected- I think that the landlords of the New Inn should continue to stage outdoor events. There is (quite clearly) a strong demand for it, and as many hundreds of people enjoyed the occasion (with a very small minority opposed) maybe the landlords should start a petition? Maybe specifically target local residents to establish support. If they can prove that the vast majority of people are in favour, then maybe West Dorset and W & P council will see sense. Hang on, what I am saying. Why would they listen to us(Pavilion development). I guess that we only pay their wages....

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blank, says...
9:00pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Acting on noise 'pollution' is one of the responsibilities of W&PBC 'Pollution Control' Unit. Why didn't they do as many other local authorities and attend the function when the noise was reported, ascertain the volume of noise and if need be, ask for its reduction to a more reasonable level?
If this event was as popular as suggested and was good for the community surely a measured response that reflected this would have been more appropriate than this draconian ban of all future events.
The decision of W&PBC seems to be one of :
"If you can't enjoy yourselves sensibly then you will just have to do without". Condescending and will likely as not lead to bad feeling.
Perhaps that was the intention.

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Dorset Guy, Bridport says...
9:17pm Wed 2 Jul 08

blank wrote:
Acting on noise 'pollution' is one of the responsibilities of W&PBC 'Pollution Control' Unit. Why didn't they do as many other local authorities and attend the function when the noise was reported, ascertain the volume of noise and if need be, ask for its reduction to a more reasonable level? If this event was as popular as suggested and was good for the community surely a measured response that reflected this would have been more appropriate than this draconian ban of all future events. The decision of W&PBC seems to be one of : "If you can't enjoy yourselves sensibly then you will just have to do without". Condescending and will likely as not lead to bad feeling. Perhaps that was the intention.
Yes I know i dont live near by bt do have experence of outdoor music events un urban areas Blank sums it up correctly apply for the relevent licence and have a sound level set and hire sound meter and or ask for visit by licencing officer -everybodys happy - I hope

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derek, dorset says...
11:20pm Wed 2 Jul 08

get a life , or ear plugs

2.4 kids + wife and so borred they live in PC world .


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honypot66, Dorset says...
1:02am Thu 3 Jul 08

Wow! What a mixed reaction to this article. I was one of the many people at the BRILLIANT garden party. My family party consisted of 9. Ageing from 18months to 63. All had a brilliant time and glad they came. Considering we were only sat 20 yards away we could still chat together which is more than you could do if the 'party' was in side.

As regards to what Atalanta comments on, i totally agree. The New Inn was there first. You buy a house adjoining or very near you are going to expect noise. There are more important things to worry about on the Moor than a few people moaning about 'a bit of a do' that WAS only going to happen once a year!!

Good luck New Inn.

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gardener, Littlemoor says...
11:33am Thu 3 Jul 08

Having moved from Westham to Littlemoor sometime ago, I just have to say that I think Littlemoor receives a lot of bad press it is not a "war zone" as is often stated by people. Areas of Westham are more noisey in the evenings - living at the town end of Abbotsbury Road must be a nightmare especially in the evenings of the weekends and early mornings! I notice Westham areas having more trouble than Littlemoor at times recently as mentionned in the Echo. I think the New Inn Management should be praised for raising community spirit and bringing people together- not knocked back! Afternoon garden parties happen all over the place not just at pubs... kids parties, boisterous barbeques - how many of us have turned on the stereo the day after a barbeque that has run a little late and found it to be set to a much louder volume than you remember? I guess no one complained to the pub at the time?

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rikrik, weymouth says...
1:00pm Thu 3 Jul 08

What about the outlandishly disturbing band playing in the town centre on Saturday. When this council are seen to be fair and reasonable they may regain some respect.

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RichieT, Weymouth, Dorset, UK says...
3:30pm Thu 3 Jul 08

I was quite disappointed when I saw the article in yesterday's echo. As a DJ & Music producer (and a member of the Musicians union), I know too well the hassle that goes into preparing for these events.

Its the zero-tolerance and mentality of some people round here which causes the majority to suffer. However there is a perfectly legal way round this!

That is to put in a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) notice to the council, This allows an event for upto 4 days (96 hours) non-stop and allows upto 499 people to attend. The only people allowed to object are the police - and thats only allowed on criminal grounds - nothing else!

It costs £21 to send in a TEN notice... anyone can do it (doesnt have to be a pub landlord) and aslong as you have permission of the landowner you will be fine.

Details can be found on the official governments site at http://www.opsi.gov.
uk/si/si2005/2005291
8.htm

Lets get together and get some parties rolling, I even have a large soundsystem and lighting rig ready and waiting!

www.richie-t.com




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b.newman, lulworth says...
3:38pm Thu 3 Jul 08

Well done to "Voice of Reason" who admits to seeing both points of view. Afterall if you widely advertise "A Garden Party with rock band The Travelling Blueberries" (see the Echo Gig Guide) it should be assumed that it would be outside (possibly in a garden even) with a rock band called The Travelling Blueberries playing.
With regard to Mr Newman of Buddleia Close I know him very well and even though he is 63 he is a bit of a music freak who wouldn't mind loud music playing nearby certainly not during the afternoon anyway. He used to live very near to the Old Castle Pub who held many an outdoor function. It was noticed that he was at the New Inn Garden Party all afternoon with his hearing aid in!
By the way I see no mention of complaints regarding the Sutton Poyntz Street Party which was held the following Sunday, with several bands playing. Is that because the whole village gets behind the organisers?
This Saturday afternoon Lulworh School has a Summer Fete, how noisy will that be?
In the mean time live life to the full you are a long time dead!

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blank, says...
7:33pm Thu 3 Jul 08

The festival of the Sea starts this weekend and will be belching out music seven days a week on Weymouth beach.
Will the organisers be curbed from making it a worthwhile event and a genuine festival in future years if someone complains about the noise?
I fear they might - after all this is Weymouth we are talking about.
The festival could be enhanced and broaden its scope if pubs like the New Inn and others were able to host both outdoor and indoor music events over the festival period.

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Comments are closed on this article.

THE PARTY'S OVER: Sophie George, manager of the New Inn, with her message to customers THE PARTY'S OVER: Sophie George, manager of the New Inn, with her message to customers

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