Cannock social club in peril over gripes on noise

Hundreds of residents are in danger of losing a social club that has been part of their Staffordshire community for more than half a century – because of complaints from one neighbour.

Darren Mapp, who built a house next door to Chase Social Workers Club in Cannock two years ago, says noise levels on Saturday nights are excessive.

However, local sub-postmaster Peter Kinsella said: "It's like building a house next to a fish and chip shop and complaining about the smell."

A?petition of more than 300 names has been handed to the council in support of the club.

The authority issued a legal notice in December banning the club from playing music beyond 11pm.

The venue in Pye Green Road says it is dependent on the weekend music nights to raise funds to repay £80,000 debts and to stem a decline in membership.

Licensing chiefs at Cannock Chase will decide in September whether to take away the licence following Mr Mapp's complaints. He said the music was so loud he could make out the words of the songs. Bosses carried out some insulation work on problem windows and under the stage but with little effect. They now have to raise £4,000 to soundproof the whole building.

Mr Mapp first complained in July 2010 and, after visits from noise pollution officers, it was concluded that the sound "significantly" affected the property.

One resident supporting the club is Jim Mellor, aged 66, of Tower Road.

He said: "There has never been any trouble and it is a friendly club. It is a part of life for some people and it would be devastating if it was to close."