Live jazz must go on behind closed doors

The Old Bank Brasserie, in Old Town runs a weekly jazz night but Swindon Council has received six complaints from one resident about the noise level outside.

Swindon Council's environment improvement team recommended that music be stopped downstairs.

But the licensing panel voted last night that The Old Bank must keep its doors closed while acts play instead.

The doors can be opened to let customers in and out and during intervals.

Environment officers say there is no guarantee that the measure will still prevent the sound travelling.

Owner Manni Madhani said he hoped the closed doors wouldn't affect trade.

"I want to be supportive of local residents," he said.

"If it is the panel's wishes, I will keep the door closed during live music.

"But if trade is affected I may have to reconsider hosting live music.

"It may become a problem in the summer. Neighbouring businesses can have doors open.

"I am the only business that has to have the doors shut but I will have to get on with it."

The complaints were made over the course of five months and referred to noise escaping through the Old Bank's doors.

Coun Michael Bray, who was chairman of the hearing, said: "The Old Bank is a great business doing a good job for the people of Old Town in terms of entertainment.

"But we have to take everyone's interests into account. If there is a complaint, we need to investigate it."

Swindon Council's licensing manager Lionel Starling said: "The decision is a remedial measure for a simple problem. We have to deal with different problems and come up with different solutions."

Solicitor Frederick Tucker who was advising Mr Madhani said: "In my view this doesn't qualify as a public complaint.

"One individual can say it creates annoyance for him, but is that a public nuisance? There are residents living nearby who haven't complained."

Mr Madhani gathering a petition of support from 60 customers and secured the support of the Old Town Business and Professional Association.