A summer music festival at the Marchmont Arms has upset residents on the receiving end. PERA secretary Michael Nidd, who lives a quarter of a mile downwind of the outdoor event, said ‘I was infuriated.  So-called “music” at threshold-of-pain levels, from around 14.30 until 22.30, may be fine for its enthusiasts but I don’t think it should be foisted on others within a 1-kilometre radius. I telephoned twice with a request to turn the volume down – with, predictably, no effect.’

The festival, which was raising funds for the Hospice of St Francis, also angered another resident, Mrs Mary Wiedman.

‘The noise was horrific.  I personally went up & politely requested if they could turn the music down as it was so loud it could be heard at the far end of PE. The answer, “They would try”, result NOTHING. I know I wasn’t the only one who went & asked & I know some phoned the pub.

‘One neighbour phoned the police to ask if they could send someone to turn it down, NOTHING.  I know the Hospice does wonderful service but that doesn’t give them the right to destroy our peace & quiet.’