Bridgnorth blues bar closes doors after live music ban

Owners of the Riverside Blues Cafe and Music Rooms, in Cartway, had hoped that they could stay open until New Year's Eve, but in a statement on Facebook said they could no longer continue.

Shropshire Council imposed restrictions on the venue's licence earlier this year after noise complaints from neighbours.

People living close to the club, which opened in August 2017, said they were forced to use headphones to watch television because of the noise.

Despite owner Ashley Edwards offering to get soundproofing installed, restrictions on where and when live music could be played were imposed and profits have plummeted in the months since.

In a statement on Facebook, Mr Edwards wrote: "It is with great regret and a heavy heart that I have to announce that we are now closed permanently.

"We were trying to make it to new year but sadly we are not in a position to continue.

"Thank you to all the loyal customers that have been in since the last announcement for your generosity, support and kind words. Also thank you to everyone that has supported us from the start, but sadly due to unfair treatment we have ceased to trade.

"Much love all, and I hope to see you in my next venture."

Difficult

Mr Edwards said the last few months had been very difficult, and that it was no longer practical to keep the bar open without the ability to play live music.

An online petition looking to save the venue received more than 1,800 signatures.

In a statement earlier this year, Karen Collier, Shropshire Council’s regulatory services operations manager, said they had been very supportive for the company to thrive. However, complaints had continued to flood in.

"The council has been dealing with complaints from neighbours ever since this venue opened," she said.

"The council is very supportive of this business being able to thrive. To do so it needs to be situated in an appropriate location where musicians can play to audiences without neighbours being able to hear the words of the songs played at Riverside Blues Cafe inside their homes.

"It is vital for prospective live music operators to consider noise nuisance when selecting suitable premises to operate, and the regulatory services team is available to advise prospective businesses to help maximise the success of any venture whilst protecting residents."