THE management team that runs Hutton Rudby Village Hall is to investigate noise levels from the refurbished building.

A complaint has been made following a number of social events at the hall, which re-opened in November following a £475,000 makeover.

The restoration work included dismantling the 77-year-old main hall and rebuilding it on new foundations.

Management committee member John Autherson, who managed the refurbishment project, said an expert from the University of Teesside had been called in to take noise measurements.

He said: "The noise characteristics in the building appear to be different and we are going to get measurements taken inside and out to see what we can do about it.

"We've only had one complaint from one person, but we are trying to do something.

"There may be more of a bass noise coming out, even though it's not of a higher level."

Mr Autherson said one of the key things was the fact that the building had not been in use for a year. He said: "The new-look hall is a success. We've had three significant events since we re-opened and they have all been excellent nights that most of the population has enjoyed.

"But if the noise has changed, we need to be aware of it."

At last week's Rudby Parish Council meeting, members heard that an application for an entertainment licence for the hall was due to be submitted this week.

Coun Peter Markey said a resident had complained about noise following the after-show party on the last night of the pantomime run. An apology had been given, with assurances that it would not happen again. However, the complaint could be seen as detrimental to the licence application.

Coun Markey said 15 residents had expressed an interest in forming a Friends of the Village Hall organisation, but a leader was required. Councillors were asked to consider recommending anybody they believed suitable for the position. Anyone interested could put themselves forward.

The new Tarran Room at the village hall was almost complete and the children's play area was progressing well. The village hall management team hoped to have an official opening event for both in the near future, incorporating fundraising for the hall.