Council U-turn over ban on sports club playing national anthem

Scarborough Council faced a barrage of criticism after it was revealed God Save the Queen could not be sung at the opening of an international game next Sunday. Scarborough Rugby Club has been silenced for two years because of fears the playing of amplified music might annoy residents.

The club was built north of Scalby village on land provided by the Duchy of Lancaster, which manages much of the royal estates.

Council bosses, who say they had not been specifically asked by the club about the issue, are now inviting it to apply for a special dispensation to allow the national anthem to be played over the loudspeaker system.

The council’s director of service delivery, Andy Skelton, said: “We would welcome the club contacting us and although planning conditions do not allow outdoor amplified music at the club’s ground without prior consent, the playing of the national anthem is something we would most likely look at sympathetically.”

Club chief executive Graeme Young said: “When we previously enquired about a speedy consent for music to compliment a children’s rugby festival we were informed that any consent would require a formal application.

“This application would be subject to public consultation to 600 interested parties and we were told ‘there is no possible way to avoid this’.

But he feared the council’s response had come too late, adding: “Its a formal planning process and the match is next week. Last time we tried to do it quickly we were told there was no possible way. We’ll try though.”