Noise threat could force club closure

One of Britain's most famous jazz clubs may be forced to close after the council issued it with a noise abatement order.

The Bulls Head in Barnes has had a worldwide reputation for live modern jazz since 1959 but is now facing the prospect of having to ditch the music after Richmond council ordered it to carry out soundproofing.

Following a new housing development, the council altered the area's status from light industrial to residential. Subsequently they received a complaint from a resident over noise levels coming from the pub. Young's, which owns the pub, estimates that soundproofing would cost £175,000.

"I think the council are being very high-handed," said Young's spokesman Michael Hardman. "This is the first complaint we have had in 45 years. The flats were supposed to be soundproofed themselves because of the long-standing jazz club. We were here first. It is like moving next to a football ground and then complaining about it."

The council has given the pub until 15 February to cut sound levels or stop playing music altogether. Licensee Dan Flemming, who believes the pub may have set a world record for the most consecutive nights of live jazz, said that more than 70% of his business was generated from its reputation for quality live music. Flemming said it would be "absolutely unthinkable" and "dreadful" if he is forced to shelve live jazz.

Richmond council environmental health officer Chris Hurst said: "We are working closely with all parties to get a resolution that everyone will be happy with. The one thing we don't want is for the music to stop."