‘Residents are let down’ by no-one taking ownership of way pub is run

Licence review hears no representations from police

- BY BELINDA RYAN LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

COMPLAINTS about loud music, late-night noise, and anti-social behaviour from a Macclesfield pub have escalated into ‘community tensions’ because residents ‘have been let down’ by the council, police and brewery, councillors heard.

Cheshire East’s licensing sub-committee was told yesterday (Tuesday) one woman whose house shares a party wall with The Dolphin on Windmill Street, moved out of her home for two consecutive nights because of the ‘mental torture’ and ‘negative environment’ caused by the pub.

“She has told the landlady time after time that the music is too loud, but she does not listen,” said Claire Arrowsmith, who was speaking on behalf of the neighbour, Julie Pimblott.

“Whilst Julie understands the current landlady is running a business, this should not be at the detriment of Julie’s happiness and wellbeing.”

Another neighbour, Julie Arrowsmith, said she had lived near the pub for more than 40 years and never had reason to complain until Angela Hogg took over last year.

“Applying for a licence review has been the last resort,” she told the committee, stressing none of the neighbours wanted the pub to close.

The meeting heard there were also incidents of fighting, vomiting in a neighbour’s garden, arguing, and aggression.

The pub, which is in a residential street, is licensed to serve alcohol until 1am and stay open until 2am.