Live music could be banned at a landmark Black Country pub after bosses were forced to apply for permission to host bands and discos outside amid complaints from neighbours.

The historic Combermere Arms in Wolverhampton currently has a licence to play music indoors until 11pm.

But some neighbours wrote to council bosses complaining about bands and musicians performing in the courtyard of the pub in Chapel Ash.

They claimed the outdoor entertainment was disrupting them until late at night.

Bosses at the pub have now applied to Wolverhampton City Council for a licence to continue the popular entertainment.

The application has sparked concern from neighbours who are now urging licensing chiefs to turn it down.

In a report to the council’s licensing committee David Brayley-Willmetts, from the Religious Society of Friends based near to the pub, states that the charity, educational and community groups that use the site need a “calm, peaceful atmosphere” and said their meetings would be disrupted if the licence was granted.

Another neighbour claims the variation in the licence would “seriously disrupt” their life.

And the Food and Environmental Safety Service has also objected to the pub being given permission to play music outside due to fears of public nuisance.

But a number of regulars have also written to council bosses in support of the application.

In a report, customer Marion Taylor states: “One of the highlights of mine, and many others, is the Saturday night live music in the courtyard at the rear of the house.

“To be told there may not be any more live music because of complaints is devastating.

“Music has been a feature at the Combermere for the last six years or so and the local community has benefited from this venture and are extremely unhappy at the thought that it may not be able to continue.”

The Combermere, which was a private house and then a doctor’s surgery before becoming a pub in 1869, is named after Sir Stapleton Cotton who fought alongside the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Salamanca