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Car Park Promise Sees Pub Retain Its Licence
A PUB which was threatened with closure after residents complained about large numbers of bikers using it has been allowed to keep its licence.
Northamptonshire police called for the Star and Garter in The Green, Chelveston, to have its licence reviewed after officers received almost 50 complaints from residents between April and September about motorcyclists blocking roads, speeding through the village at up to 134mph and intimidating residents.
But East Northamptonshire Council's licensing panel has found in favour of the pub after seeking assurances that owners Charles Wells Brewery would apply for planning permission to create a parking area at the back of the building.
In exchange for keeping its licence the pub will also employ parking attendants until 10.30pm, put up signs advising customers to behave responsibly and staff will also be told to encourage people to act correctly.
Star and Garter licensee Cllr Robin Meason, of Chelveston-cum-Caldecott Parish Council, said:
"I ask people to act sensibly outside the pub and we're trying to advise people what's acceptable and what's not.
"I'll do my very best to make sure the conditions put in place work because it's my livelihood at stake."
PC John Roberts of Northamptonshire police confirmed no crimes connected to the Star and Garter had been recorded but the force wanted all motorcycles to be parked at the back of the pub.
Rushden and District Motorcycle Action Group have met at the Star and Garter on a regular basis for more than 12 months.
Group member Neil Daniel said: "There have been occasional incidents of bad parking and motorcycles have gone through the village at speed but that's nothing to do with the pub.
"We'll do everything we can to assist with the conditions attached to the licence – particularly the parking."
Simon Honour, of Disbrowe Court, Chelveston, was among the residents who fought to keep the pub open.
He said: "I live three doors from the pub and I've never experienced any noise nuisance inside my house from the pub, nor have I been obstructed by motorcycles blocking my property.
"I'd have thought the motorcyclists bring in necessary revenue to keep the pub going." 20 November 2006.
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