Thatcham pub must clean up after complaints
Council cracks down on Black Horse after neighbours suffer years of fighting, vandalism and noise
A THATCHAM pub will have to trade under strict licensing conditions after neighbours have won a four-year battle to curb anti-social behaviour.
People living in St Johns Road said that they have lived with years of bad behaviour from customers at The Black Horse pub, including windows being smashed, people fighting and shouting and also threatening residents.
Now West Berkshire Council has added conditions and restrictions to the pub's licence following a committee meeting on July 28.
Under the new conditions, the pub must close every evening by 11.30pm, stop serving alcohol at 11pm, no entertainment after 11pm, not allow customers smoking on the road outside the pub, have the noise level checked in the beer garden, have an incident book, keep windows and doors closed during live music performances and make sure people leave in an orderly fashion.
George Bembenek (pictured), a St Johns Road resident of five years, said that the problems started six months after he moved in.
He added that because of the trouble, he had lived as a virtual recluse for two years, in fear of leaving his house.
He said: “I have been threatened and spat on.
“They are like hooligans.”
His neighbour, Pat Tomlinson, said that she had suffered problems but hoped that the restrictions would mean a more peaceful life.
She said: “There has been a certain amount of hell but I'm hoping it's going to get better.
“The fights were awful, very violent.
“I would almost pass out after hearing them – there could be blood spilt outside my window.
“The noise has been horrendous at times. I've tried every ear plug going. West Berkshire Council spokesman Phil Spray said that the pub also had to install CCTV cameras covering every exit and entrance as part of the new conditions.
He said: “Our records show we first began to receive complaints in December 2008.
“We recorded nine complaints between then and June 2010.
“After this date complaints regarding noise levels were received from more than one source on 10 occasions, until the review in June.
“The conditions will be monitored by officers from licensing and environmental health, as well as Thames Valley Police.”
Leila Maia, a spokeswoman for Punch Taverns, which runs the pub, said: “It is always our priority that our pubs provide a safe and welcoming environment for responsible adults to enjoy good drink, food and entertainment.
We are co-operating fully as part of the review process and continue to work very closely with the local authorities and the local community to address any issues.”
