Rising Sun pub pulls Abba and Tina Turner tribute nights after complaint

A pub has axed its Abba, Meat Loaf and Tina Turner tribute nights - after it was issued with a "noise nuisance" notice.

The outdoor music nights at the Rising Sun pub in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, were popular events for years, but a "local with a grudge" allegedly whinged to the council about them this summer. Terry Kenny, owner of the boozer, was told by the council to stop the events due to the "noise disturbance".

It has left regulars heartbroken and a petition to reverse Wakefield Council's decision is gathering momentum. Mr Kenny, 63, said: "We can't find out exactly who the person is but from what I can gather I think it's one person complaining. I can't be 100 percent certain though.

"I think the complaint is daft, petty and a grudge against the pub. The majority of locals come and they look forward to it every summer. It's a very friendly event and we don't do rock bands."

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Mr Kenny, who has been the pub owner for 23 years, now worries that the future of his boozer is at stake as their outdoor performances brought in a 'large chunk' of the pub's income. He added: "We do certain ones and last year we raised £8,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance last year and £10,000 the year before. It's going to lose us quite a bit of money and could potentially lead to the pub shutting.

"It's quite a big chunk of the yearly income and the big charity tribute show won't be able to go ahead now either as we can't do this inside."

Wakefield Council, a Labour stronghold, monitored the activity at the pub, near the Castleford area, and found "clear and consistent evidence that a noise disturbance". It issued Mr Kenny a Noise Abatement Notice in June, which was "truly gutting" for the community.

One regular said: "Absolutely ridiculous you're having this issue again. Don't live near a pub if you don't want the noise. You're bringing the people together."

Another posted on Facebook: "Feel for you Terry. Those afternoons were great. The morons that complain shouldn't buy a house near a pub." A third commented: "Can't believe this. It's in the afternoon so I don't see what the issue is. Obviously they have no life to do this. Absolutely pathetic whoever they are. We are behind you all the way."

Jill Edmondson, Head of Regulatory Services at Wakefield Council, said: "We've made every effort to work with the business to address ongoing noise concerns.

"But monitoring over the past four weeks has provided clear and consistent evidence that a noise disturbance continues. As a result, we've had no choice but to issue a Noise Abatement Notice.

"This doesn't prohibit any events from taking place, but it does mean that any that do, can't cause a disturbance. And the business can appeal this through the Magistrates Court if they'd like to.

"We want to support local businesses to put on responsible entertainment. But we must also make sure local people can live in their homes without unreasonable disturbance."

To sign the Rising Sun pub's petition to save their outdoor shows, click here.