Elderly residents fear more 'music, loud fighting and screaming idiots striking blows' as pub reveals new plan
A pub has divided locals in a Leeds area with some saying loud punters have been ‘striking blows’ up and down the street.
The Number Thirty Three, in Town Street, Farsley, is situated in close proximity to a range of council blocks homing elderly people with a sheltered housing scheme at high rise Marsden Court.
The pub has applied to remain open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and serve drinks until 1.30am on those days. A petition in objection has been signed by 40 residents in Marsden Court, claiming there has been a problem with ‘fighting, screaming, slamming of car doors, and of course, loud music.’
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West Yorkshire Police had initially raised concerns but withdrew their objection after reaching an agreement with the landlords, a report for the upcoming licensing meeting reveals. Police conditions agreed with the pub to include staff training, CCTV, and age checks on punters. A police report stated: "Staff shall be trained in procedures for dealing with unwell members of the public, including those who appear to be affected by alcohol or drugs."
Horrified grandad-of-three Trevor Ashcroft, 87, who lives nearby, said: “Music, loud fighting when the pub closes. The customers, the p***ed idiots are screaming at each other, and they are in fact, striking blows up and down this street.”
Doting daughter Julie, whose 78-year-old mum lives in Marsden Court, is concerned about the residents. Julie said: “There was a petition but she didn’t sign it because she doesn’t like to get involved. Her bedroom faces on to the pub and she can hear it. The music, arguing, fighting and carrying on. The pub has been put in a daft place. They’re all in their 70s here and people aren’t very well.
“It’s going to make it worse. Why should they [the residents] have to stay up until 2am with all that noise? I would have signed it.”
Nearby resident Matthew Walker, 26, said: “I do see why they’re a bit apprehensive and frustrated. Out of all the pubs here, it’s definitely the busiest and loudest. At the same time, it’s not a bad pub. Certainly not one of the worst I have ever been to. I can see both sides."
There's a One Stop shop located over the road from the pub. Shop worker Megan Garbutt, 27, said: “You get that with every place that serves drinks, it’s a normal thing. I thing it should be open until 2am. There’s nowhere else for people to go, and then that causes people to be on the streets causing a nuisance if somewhere is shut.
“I’ve never heard anything myself – but I feel safer at work at a night knowing that pub is open. Just incase anything happens, there’s people around. They have a doorman.”
Nearby resident Mark Dacre, 59, said: “I think it’s because it’s gentrified a bit and it’s changed to an old people’s area, Farsley.
“So therefore, with it being it being close to that…but it’s only on weekends. I don’t think it will make much of a difference, but I do get it, I can understand why some of the older folk won’t like it because they go to bed at 9pm but I honestly don’t care.”
Marsden Court resident Vincent Walsh, 61, said: “I can’t hear it. They don’t play loud-loud music. I’m on the first floor. It’s a business. They’ve said there might be quarrels and whatever, but I haven’t heard anything. I have no objection.”
Landlords of the Number Thirty Three pub were asked for a comment. The licensing hearing will be taking on Tuesday, January 14.
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