Shrewsbury Quarry events threatened by noise complaints
Events in Shrewsbury’s Quarry could be under threat after environmental health officials received complaints about noise.
The town council currently holds a licence for the picturesque town centre park that allows it to host a number of large events throughout the year – such as this weekend’s Shrewsbury Flower Show, the town’s food festival and the Let’s Rock 80s concert.
But it has emerged that after just five complaints about the events, which have been attended by tens of thousands of people, the council has received a warning from officials.
It has been told to improve its noise management plan or face a licence review.
Town council leader Councillor Alan Mosley said the warning was “over the top”, and insisted council officers do all they can to ensure events take into account the views of residents.
He said: “Given the hundreds of thousands that use the Quarry, to have such a reaction based on the complaints of four or five people seems ludicrous.
"I am aware how careful our officers are to ensure all the interests are recognised and accommodated.
"It is probably time the scrutiny panel looked at the way in which regulatory services are operating and whether they are in the best interest of all residents in Shropshire.”
Councillor Nat Green, who represents Quarry and Coton Hill on both Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council, said the suggestion of a potential licence review was heavy-handed.
He said: “I hope in relation to the objections and in relation to the scale of events taking place that a balance is struck between the needs of residents and the needs of Shrewsbury to hold large successful events.
"It would certainly seem to be the case that those who are suggesting the possibility of a review need to bear in mind the proper need to be proportionate in their response.
“People’s complaints should never be ignored but at the same time must be put into context of events taking place.”
He added: “I have not personally received any complaints from residents in this regard.”
Shropshire Council, which runs environmental health, was unable to comment.
