A VILLAGE pub will keep its licence despite complaints from a resident.

West Dorset District Council's sub-licensing committee voted against reviewing the licence of The Ilchester Arms in Symondsbury yesterday.

Resident Brian Jeans complained he has been disturbed by late-night drinkers from the Palmers pub, as a result of its 24-hour licence.

He says he hasn’t been able to get to sleep, with the smoking ban meaning more people are talking outside the pub in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Jeans, who is aged in his 70s, added: “I am a nervous wreck. I don’t know what to do, nobody should have to put up with this. You don’t realise how close it is to my house.”

His friend, Brian Sander said: “Brian comes up to my house beside himself about it all. I think it’s so unfair. He’s a nice guy and just wants peace and quiet, he doesn’t know what to do.”

Ruth Wrixton, another of Mr Jeans' friends, said: “Brian goes to bed every night not knowing whether it will be a night when he will be woken up or a night when he will be able to sleep.”

James Anderson, a solicitor for Palmers Brewery, said: “The arrival of Will and Holly has been well received in Symondsbury. It’s the only pub in the village and people like going to their local for a drink. It has also established a very good reputation for food. Everything points to a well-run pub with people often visiting. But there are three occasions which Mr Jeans refers to.”

The first incident was a party to celebrate the arrival of the new landlords Will Good and Holly Butt. The second incident was a family wake, which was held at the pub, with some family members going outside to smoke late in the evening. The final incident was when a man was late to his taxi, so the driver honked his horn multiple times causing Mr Jeans distress.

Mr Anderson added: “Will and Holly are sorry for disturbing him on these three occasions. Please take these disturbances in isolation. It would be impossible for even the best run village pub to run in silences. It’s just not possible.

Cllr Keith Day said: “The sub-committee has decided on balance that there was insufficient evidence and insufficient need to review the pub’s licence at this stage.”

He said the application is clearly based on what appears to be the views of ‘one unhappy resident’ and there is overwhelming evidence that the licence holders have been professional, competent and courteous.