Noisy Marsden pub to be closed for first time using ASBO law

Aug 8 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A NOISY pub is expected to be closed following a landmark decision by Kirklees Council.

But Mandy Hester, landlady of the threatened Swan pub, Marsden, says she has been victimised for reviving the business.

Kirklees Council plans to temporarily close the premises following repeated complaints from neighbours about noise and anti-social behaviour.

The council is to use the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 for the first time to call time on the Station Road pub.

The act is usually used to close nuisance residential properties.

Since Ms Hester became licensee of the pub last October, neighbours say they have been kept awake by loud music, shouting and fighting until the small hours.

Another said her car was vandalised by drinkers from the pub.

Daniel Thwaites Brewery, which owns the premises, served a notice on Ms Hester seeking possession of the premises following talks with Kirklees Environmental Services.

But it is expected Ms Hester will not be asked to vacate until September at the earliest.

In July, speakers and amplification equipment were confiscated from The Swan in the council’s first seizure of stereo equipment from commercial premises.

However, new equipment was installed and further complaints have since been received, the council said.

A notice is expected to be served on Ms Hester next week. Magistrates must then deal with the order within 48 hours.

If the court agrees to close the pub, Ms Hester will be allowed to retrieve her personal belongings from the pub before the premises are secured.

The court may defer the case for up to 14 days at the request of Ms Hester’s defence.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “I could certainly hear noise and I did consider getting out of bed and thumping someone.

“I didn’t mind it being a pub but I do mind it being so rowdy. It’s not right.

“You get woken up in the middle of the night, 1.30am or sometimes later. There’s shouting, screaming and loud music.

“One woman had both doors of her car kicked in.

“I’m not particularly bothered it’s closing. I enjoyed it being a pub. It used to sell decent beer.