1,700 names strummed up to back Bridgnorth music venue after noise complaints
More than 1,700 supporters of a Bridgnorth music venue threatened with closure due to noise complaints have backed an online petition to keep it open.
Ashley Edwards, the owner of Riverside Blues Cafe and Music Rooms, set up the campaign after Shropshire Council served the business with an abatement notice.
The council said it had received complaints from four neighbouring properties about weekend evening noise from live music since the venue opened last September and that despite the proprietor's good intentions, the premises itself is not suitable for the playing of live music.
Mr Edwards said the venue, in Cartway, used to have live music between 9pm and 10.45pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The venue is also open during the day to serve food at the premises.
“We have tried to make changes, we used to have live music on Friday and Saturday," he said.
"We used to have three hours of live music a week, and shut at 11pm.
"We have stopped doing it on a Friday night now.
"If we reduced our opening hours it would have such a huge effect on my business that I would have to lose staff and close the business down.
"I have already had to lose three members of staff due to us being so quiet now.
"The rest of my staff are worried they will lose their jobs," Mr Edwards added.
Members of the Licensing Act sub-committee will meet at Shire Hall next Thursday to review the licence.
To see the petition, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-live-music-alive
