RESIDENTS have won their campaign to stop a Radcliffe pub getting a public entertainment licence.

More than 60 neighbours of the Ainsworth Arms had objected, citing fighting outside the pub, drunken noise and bottles thrown into their gardens.

Mr David Allcock, pub landlord, refuted claims that a licence would lead to trouble. He said he had received no complaints at all since taking over the hostelry last July.

But councillors at Tuesday's (Jan 22) licensing panel were not convinced, and voted by four to three to reject his application.

The residents' protest was led by Mr James Hennessey, who lives opposite the pub at the corner of Bury and Bolton Road and Starling Road. "I'm pleased with the decision, it's common sense," he said. "We're not gloating about it, but it's a residential area and it should be kept that way."

Earlier Mr Hennessey told the panel that the main problems happened on the weekly Sunday quiz nights, which feature a DJ.

"I objected to the council in August," he said. "We could hear the noise sitting in our front room."

Mr Hennessey also complained about traffic sounding their horns and the behaviour of people when they left the pub.

"We pick up glasses and bottles from the garden every weekend," he said. "People take bottles outside and throw them away before getting into a taxi."

But Richard Taylor, Mr Allcock's solicitor, said the pub only wanted to provide entertainment on occasional events such as Hallowe'en, Christmas and on charity and theme nights.

Mr Allcock had offered to put in double glazing, noise limiters, and air conditioning so the doors wouldn't have to be open during the summer. "We want to live with our neighbours and not upset anybody," said Mr Taylor.

"He has never received a complaint from a member of the public. He has never had a problem of any violence on the premises at all. There are no off-sales, and the police have no objections."

Mr Taylor even suggested that councillors grant a six-month licence for a trial period.

However, after a lengthy adjournment, members refused the application on the following grounds: concern about the pub's location and surrounding area, and the risks of public nuisance caused by unacceptable noise and misbehaviour in or around the premises.

Mr Taylor said he would consider an appeal.