Licence review at Haslingden ‘nuisance’ pub (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Licence review at Haslingden ‘nuisance’ pub

4:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

A PUB at the centre of a noise dispute is to have its licence reviewed.

The Green Squirrel in Haslingden was bought by three friends in July last year. Since then, the business has flourished, but there have been more than 20 reports of excessive noise coming from the venue.

Neighbours said they are disturbed by loud music from live bands and amplified music, doors and windows left open and people stood outside drinking, shouting and swearing.

And now Rossendale Council’s environment officers have called for a licence review.

Ben Greenwood, Stephen Sourbutts and Lindsay McGuire clubbed together to raise the money to buy the former Crown Inn pub in Manchester Road and said they do all they can to keep noise to a minimum.

But council officers have been called numerous times and have witnessed nuisance noise levels.

The review, which is still to be scheduled, could lead to conditions being imposed on the pub, its liacence being suspended or revoked entirely.

Haslingden councillor Granville Morris said: “Residents just want a peaceful life, and to make sure that the noise doesn’t impact on their family.

“The owners of the pub have to appreciate that people live around the establishment and are entitled to a reasonable existence.”

Ben Greenwood, 30, one of the owners, said they take all the precautions they can to keep noise to a minimum.

“The music is always stopped by 11pm and we do our best to keep folk quiet inside the pub.

“We are licensed until 2am, but we call last orders at 1am so people leave on time.

“At 10.30pm the doors and windows are shut to reduce noise.

“It’s a lovely pub, with a great atmosphere and there’s never any bother.

“If anyone is being noisy outside, we go and have a word with them, and we are taking all the precautions we can.

“I’m worried about the hearing. We have taken a gamble on the place and everything we have every saved has gone into this business.

“We thought we could make it work, and we are, but we are being punished for putting our heart and soul into it.”

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