OWNERS of a popular pub are "devastated" to be pulling the plug on music events in their beer garden amid a noise complaint row.
The Rock Tavern at Wilden is known for its live music events at its "idyllic" riverside beer garden by a viaduct.
But the owners have been battling to ensure events carry on in the future after being "threatened" with noise complaints. A public petition to the local authority was previously set up to help save live music at the pub in 2021.
Now, the owners have decided to stop hosting events, announcing the decision to customers on Facebook.
The pub said: "Sadly, we have decided that we will no longer hold any music events in our stunning riverside beer garden.
"We have been under investigation for five years now by Worcester Regulatory Services (WRS) they intend to keep the investigation ongoing throughout 2024 and 2025.
"After that who knows. The stress it has caused us it is simply not worth the impact it is having on our health.
"Throughout the investigation, we have maintained that we have been treated harshly and unprofessionally.
"We have made Freedom of Information requests relating to the investigation in an attempt to prove this. WRS refused our requests which we continue to challenge.
"Anyone living or visiting Stourport, Kidderminster and surrounding areas will know that we are a music loving community with great bands and artists."
The beer garden at the Rock Tavern (Image: Owen Shelton)
Maggie Flight, licensee at the Rock Tavern, said that their "beautiful" customers "loved" the live music events.
She said: "We are devastated that we have had to make that decision.
"You couldn't get a nicer place to have live music. People love going down there.
"It's just an idyllic location. It's just a shame we've had to pull the plug.
"We feel very strongly we've been unfairly treated".
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Regulatory Services said: "WRS has been working with the Rock Tavern to find a sustainable solution following noise complaints from local residents.
"The most recent suggestion was a strategy that has been successful in similar situations within the county which would let live music continue at the venue.
"WRS has responded to Freedom of Information requests, but some information was withheld. This is because it is either part of an ongoing investigation or could be part of future proceedings.”
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