WITH reference to the letter of 'One of the grateful majority' (August 3) regarding music at the Hop Pole pub I would question the author's assumption that they are indeed in the 'majority' in this scenario.

A very large number of music fans in Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas are extremely disappointed at the council's decision to withdraw the music licence from this establishment.

For far too long Bromsgrove has only catered for the youth market, with those of us who prefer good company in a relaxed musical atmosphere being left out on a limb.

The launch of a programme of events at the Hop Pole finally meant that we had something to look forward to.

Unfortunately, Bromsgrove District Council appears to have been swayed by the vocal minority into pulling the plug - quite literally - on this source of entertainment.

Whilst I appreciate that the residents in the surrounding area, as in any other, are entitled to peace and quiet during the night, I would question whether the source of the noise is actually the public house in question.

Anyone who frequents the pub will know that the clientele are unlikely to be classed as 'rowdy revellers' who maraud the streets. In fact, I would suggest that those responsible for driving cars 'as loudly as possible at high speed up and down the Birmingham Road' would have more in connection with the late night younger venues (Hogs Head, Euphoria) than the Hop Pole pub - particularly when these activities take place in 'the early hours of the morning' and 'four or five times a week'.

I would respectfully suggest the Hop Pole has been incorrectly targeted as a source of noise and the action taken by the council is totally excessive and inappropriate.

Whilst I sympathise with local residents who have genuine complaints about noise I would suggest they try to identify the true culprits and not make a scapegoat out of an easy target. In fact, in a time when pub chains and theme pubs are swamping our High Streets and true local pubs are becoming a rarity, I would even suggest that they try supporting their local public houses instead of pillorying them - before we lose these traditional watering holes completely.

One of the extremely

disappointed majority

Bromsgrove