Letters: The Crown in Everton noise notice – when did we become so intolerant?

SIR – In 2014 my husband, Brian, and I returned to Everton where we started our life together. Diagnosed with dementia in 2012, Brian always enjoyed other people's company, and he wanted to be able to walk to the Crown Inn.

As his illness progressed, Brian became more infirm but we still went to the pub where we were made welcome. Brian joined the local men who ensured he was safe and included in the banter and beer.

Simultaneously, I had brief respite from caring responsibilities. The importance of these short periods of respite cannot be overstated.

Brian developed a chest infection which hospitalised him in August 2016 but I still had support from the local community.

Unfortunately, Brian was not able to come home again. He could no longer walk, talk, wash, dress, toilet or feed himself. He needed two people to move him safely. I was heartbroken but found him a dementia unit nearby.

I fought for his rights, ensuring he had the best care and was treated with dignity and respect. I visited him often, fitting around teaching science at Brockenhurst College.

Through all this, individuals who had been on this journey with us, the Crown locals, were supportive in many ways: from dog sitting to supper invites.

My lovely, funny, handsome man lost his battle on 31st October 2021, a shadow of his former self.

I was pleased for Brian’s name to be used in a fundraising event for Lymington Dementia Action Group (DAG). Dementia, an invidious disease, will impact everyone’s lives eventually.

A cheque for £1,058 was presented to DAG on Sunday 14th August, raised by donations and raffle ticket sales during the Crown’s event on 16th July. Then the noise abatement order was served (A&T, 12th August).

I wonder at the short-sightedness and selfishness of the complainants. Long-term we will all be the losers if their actions mean the pub is not viable and closes.

Everton village will lose one of its community hubs (the church being the other), and all for what? Music for two hours on one day of a weekend?

When did we become so intolerant?

Lynne White,
Everton

*****

SIR – Thank you for making your readers aware of the situation regarding The Crown at Everton who have been served a New Forest District Council noise abatement order (A&T, 12th August), due to the consistent complaints from a very small number of people .

The online petition in support of the landlord has exceeded 1,000 people, many of whom are local and include close neighbours.

The landlord has made significant efforts to meet the requirements of NFDC and to compromise.

NFDC merely respond with vague statements and advice, whilst maintaining the noise abatement order.

Other pubs in the area have also been forced to close, or the landlord has left because of similar issues.

The Crown could go the same way and, in the current environment, could be closed permanently.

This would have a devastating effect on our village, particularly on the senior singles who see The Crown as a vital social centre.

We must not allow a very small number of dogmatic people and NFDC to triumph against the overwhelming wishes of the vast majority of the community.

After all, it's only two hours' music a week at most, usually in the middle of Saturday afternoon, and has raised over £10,000 for charity.

Please support the Crown and let common sense prevail.

Rob Tarbard,
Everton