The landlords of a Shaftesbury pub has thanked supporters after they helped win a ‘fair and balanced outcome’ at a council licence review.

Chris and John Henson-Ball at Ye Olde Two Brewers in St James Street, issued ‘a massive thank you’ to supporters who wrote to Dorset Council’s licensing department to back them after complaints about noise.

Chris said: “Without your support John and I would have probably left the pub. For those who took the time to write to the licensing department, then additionally assisting with the live review we send massive gratitude. Additionally, all of you who showed support by coming to the pub, supporting us from a distance we really do appreciate it. The Two Brewers is a hard pub to run especially in the winter so your ongoing support will be appreciated.”

The council considered a complaint from Patrick Riley and Roland Merry, who said frequent live music events in the garden of the pub, unruly behaviour of customers and parking issues were causing a problem.

But the 12 letters supporting the licence review were countered by nearly 100 letters pleading for the pub’s live music events to continue.

Officers have now clearly defined the conditions in which the pub, which has rave reviews for its food and its welcome, can provide live entertainment.

Chris will be required to take noise readings every 60 minutes outside when live or recorded music is being played, and keep a log of them. The pub will also not be allowed to hold any music events in the garden on consecutive weekends, except for events during the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival weekend.

Chris will also have to notify neighbours by email of music events to be held in the garden area.

He said: “We think this is a very reasonable set of conditions and we’re happy to comply with them.

“The review recognises we haven’t breached any licensing laws but the conditions will allow the residents to know when there is downtime.”

He added: “On average our events were every 10 days but this will now let residents have certainty for when they want to enjoy their garden.”

By Miranda Robertson