Article from Ealing Times Pub forced to close over noise dispute By Ushma Mistry ONE of the oldest pubs in Acton has been forced to close at weekends due to an ongoing dispute about noise pollution. Alistair Moody, licensee of The George and Dragon pub, High Street, Acton, believes his pub has been wrongly persecuted by residents complaining about the level of noise generated from live band performances. He has been told unless he takes measures to soundproof the premises and reduce the level of noise he may not be able to have his licence renewed. Mr Moody told the Times: "Because of council action on complaints about noise from a few residents in the newly built Coopers Court we have been forced to close. "By law, the residents should have been made aware that there is a nightclub adjacent and there is a noise, so why then complain or even have the right to complain after accepting the flat and situation and moving in?" Officers from Ealing Council visited the George and Dragon pub after receiving a number of complaints about the level of noise coming from the premises and advised Mr Moody, in writing on January 20, on what he should to do to prevent noise nuisance. Mr Moody was advised to make his premises soundproof before applying for a licence as he was told noise pollution officers would object to it on the grounds that Mr Moody has been prosecuted in the past for breaching noise regulations. A spokesman for Ealing Council said: "Excessive noise can cause considerable distress to people and we have a duty to ensure that residents in the area aren't unnecessarily disturbed. We still advise Mr Moody that he should submit an application to the council." The George and Dragon has been hosting live music for more than 50 years and Mr Moody would like to continue to do so but feels he has not got the support and backing of Ealing Council. He added: "I feel the London Borough of Ealing should at least take responsibility for allowing the situation to happen and should help sort the situation positively instead of placing the problem completely at my door." 9:44am Monday 26th April 2004

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