Pub music out of tune with neighbours

Some local residents have already written to Sheffield Council's environmental health department several times to complain about the noise created by the Blue Bell in Main Street.

Now they claim an application to alter the existing licence, which would allow live music to be played until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10pm on Sundays, would make matters even worse.

One neighbour said: "We have had years of having to listen to banging music and loud abusive customers from this pub – customers who we often hear shouting, swearing and sounding very abusive.

"My partner and I both work very hard to pay our mortgage on our home but yet on many occasions we have had to spend the night at relatives' homes due to the noise coming from this pub whenever a temporary event is held.

"This pub is one building and shouldn't cause this much trouble or noise to residents. This really can't carry on – never mind be allowed to get any worse."

Another resident said: "This pub is nothing but problems all round. The police have been called on loads of occasions.

"If this licence is granted the help the police have done to the area would be unpicked."

One objector told the licensing board: "When we first moved here 20 years ago there was music four nights a week and the noise levels continued long after the music had finished. Drunken fights were the norm after closing time.

"Obviously we will oppose any extension of the Blue Bell's licence which is going to contribute to recreating that situation."

People living in nearby Hutton Croft have also joined together and formed a petition, bearing 20 signatures so far, that they have submitted to the licensing board. The petition complains of fighting outside the pub, excess noise and glasses being smashed in the street.

Also objecting to the variations to the Blue Bell's licence are officials from Sheffield Council's environmental protection service.

They say the pub is in a residential area and could therefore cause "excessive noise disturbance" for neighbours.

Councillors will decide whether the changes to the licence should be permitted what they meet at Sheffield Town Hall at 10am tomorrow.