We understand hat several residents complained about noise coming from an event taking pace at the Acorn Rugby ground yesterday (Sunday evening). The source of the complaint seems to have been bands playing outdoors. They stopped at 9:00pm.

We understand that this was a charity event although it is unclear whether it formed part of the councils summer holidays “Shine” programme as stated on publicity posters.

It is the second time that complaints about events at the rugby ground have been made. The organisers of another charity event, held in August, had resorted to sellotaping posters to the outside of local noticeboards, causing damage in one case. (information is posted within the noticeboards upon request)

Fly posting is often a source of complaint when fairs visit Thanet Road (as they will shortly).

New licensing arrangements, introduced a few years ago, mean that organisations no longer have to apply for special licences to organise events like these. Instead they rely on a  general license issued on request by the Council to land owners. (in this case the land is owned by the Council but it is on a long lease to the club).

Licences can be revoked if terms and conditions are not observed.

In this case, the frequency of outdoor events may be approaching the point where the license could be reviewed.