Bistro music plans could harm pets, says vet

Shelley Lyons of Hird and Partners in the village of Ripponden, near Halifax, wrote to Calderdale’s licensing services manager after The Fox Bar & Bistro applied to alter its licence.

Ms Lyons says the practice has “concerns regarding the playing of music outdoors from 9am as our business is open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm and on Saturdays 9am-12pm and being directly next to the ‘outdoor area’ the noise generated could impact on our visiting clients as well as animals recovering from anaesthesia and surgery in our ward area, directly next door to the Fox’s outdoor area.

“We have concerns that if live bands/performers are appearing in the afternoons from 4pm that this may also generate additional noise in our surgery and also impact on the already congested on-road parking available...

“Whilst we understand the Fox Bar & Bistro wish to enhance their business we feel strongly that this could have a detrimental impact on our surgery and the welfare of our clients and patients.”

Several residents who live near the Fox in Oldham Road have also objected. One resident who didn’t want to be named said: “I write to object most strongly to the application for a change to their licence.

“We live directly above the Fox and would be seriously inconvenienced by the proposed change.

“As things are now we are already disturbed by noise from their beer garden at late hours especially in the summer months...to extend their licensing hours and to allow live music indoors as well as recorded music outdoors until midnight would severely exacerbate the problem of noise.

“Ripponden is a village not a town and as such should remain relatively peaceful.”

Fox owner Melanie Thornber declined to comment.

Calderdale’s licensing sub committee will debate the matter on Wednesday.