KILLJOY residents are destroying Stratford’s nightlife.
That is the claim of some disgruntled townspeople who have taken to social media to hit out at noise complaining residents. They not only say the moans are stopping revellers enjoying themselves, but are also having a major impact on the town’s night time economy.
Musician Dom Winter, who plays guitar with Stratford-based party rock band Small Doses, said: “People have had enough of having to go inside at 11pm. I’m happy to finish playing at 11pm, because I appreciate a band can be loud and not everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoy a drink outside in the garden after we’ve finished.
“It seems there are all these rules that affect all of us and the trade, in order to pacify a tiny minority of people who don’t like it, yet choose to live close by.”
A town centre landlady said she was forced to close her beer garden by 10.30pm in fear of being targeted by noise sensitive residents.
She said: “It’s a constant battle with the few neighbours that can spoil it for everyone. We are not even allowed to play our music system outside, door and windows have to be closed and the garden empty by 10.30pm so they can not hear any noise from people enjoying their lives.”
Mr Winter is planning to sit down and discuss the matter with Stratford District Council.
Deputy council leader Stephen Thirlwell told The Observer: “The council is extremely conscious of the benefits to Stratford of a thriving night time economy in the town.
“We work with local businesses to ensure that they are supported in making the town a vibrant centre for visitors and residents, to
encourage footfall into the town and to make sure that visitors want to return.
“The council has a duty to investigate complaints made to us and, in doing so, we aim to be fair and impartial. We work with businesses to support them in complying with the law.
“Any decision made on a licence would always be taken as a last resort and only after we had worked with the business for a period of time to address any problem.”
And Stratforward director Joe Baconnet said nightlife was increasing in the restaurant and café sector but not the late night and music sector.
He added: “I suspect some of the new venues will be supporting live music but not at the scale some residents would like.
“We, as Stratforward, are keen on promoting a varied and safe offer for the town centre. “
