Neighbours and club urged to sort out noise concerns

9:59am Friday 4th July 2008

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A VETERANS' club and its neighbours have been told to get round a table to find a solution to a two-year dispute over noise.

Councillor Brian Kinghorn issued the advice to managers of the Brandon and Meadowfield Royal British Legion club after Durham City Council's licensing committee heard of complaints raised by three people living nearby.

The council's environmental health department had called for the club's licence to be reviewed, saying that over two years noise levels had not been cut significantly.

But Coun Kinghorn, who chaired Wednesday's hearing, adjourned the review, recommending environmental health officers, club managers and residents meet to settle the dispute.

Speaking afterwards, Ronnie Rodgers, president of the club, said that was what it had always wanted.

He said: "We wanted a liaison committee with the residents so we could address the issues.

"We've got to come to some sort of agreement. The bottom line is the club's been there since the Thirties.

"It's an asset to the whole community. Hopefully, common sense will prevail."

During the hearing, Mr Rodgers, who is Durham county councillor for Brandon, said the club spent £150,000 improving its building, in Back John Street North, in Meadowfield.

Soundproof insulation and double-glazing was installed, costing about £12,000.

Coun Rodgers said: "We are successful. We underwrite charities to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds.

"Every pound we take in, we put back into this community, one way or another."

Neil Pace, an environmental health officer, told councillors evening noise levels were monitored twice, with little reduction noticeable.

Mr Pace said the nature of the club building - it is made of wood - makes it difficult to reduce noise levels.

His colleague, John Dodds, said: "We're not asking for the club to close down. We're asking the club to take steps to prevent a nuisance."

However, Coun Rodgers said the 250-member club depends on revenue from its 120- capacity function hall, which hosts karaoke, singers and country and western nights.

He said: "The club revolves around the function hall. If we haven't got a music licence, we'll fold within a matter of weeks."

Councillors agreed to adjourn the review for three months.