Noise-limit device for club after complaints

An ex-serviceman's club must fit a noise-limiting device to cut out music when it gets too loud after complaints from fed-up neighbours.

Families living near Bloxwich Royal British Legion Club said their lives were being made a misery because of late-night parties as well as rowdy weekly car boot sales. Protesting against the club's plan to open until 2am, they submitted letters of objection and a petition of almost 60 signatures, but councillors have agreed the club can extend it hours.

The licensing committee yesterday said the club, in Broad Lane Gardens, could serve alcohol from 11am until 12.30am on weekends provided the sound-limiting equipment was installed.

The letters from residents said they were sick of noise from drunken revellers in the street and taxis pulling up throughout the night.

Hilary Collins, of Broad Lane, wrote: "I have to keep my windows closed in order to minimise the noise from the club and I am unable to sit out in the garden when they have events on.

"All of the words of the songs and those of the compere can be heard within the house and therefore it is impossible to sleep until the club closes.

"Clearly longer opening hours will affect the quality of life of my family and that of other local residents," she added.

And Linda Tyke, of Broad Lane Gardens, said: "When the club has large functions Broad Lane Gardens become gridlocked, you can hardly get into the estate as this is the only access.

"This road is not big enough to accommodate this kind of traffic."

The club will have to stick to its original closing time of 11pm the rest of the week, but will be able to open earlier at 11am.

The social club is run by a committee separate to the British Legion, which has not being criticised by the residents. The committee which runs the club did not want to comment today.