VILLAGERS have leapt to the defence of a Hampshire pub at the centre of a noise row.

The Forest Inn at Ashurst is run by Ian and Jo Laver, who say the pub will be forced to close if they are banned from staging live music.

The couple have lodged an appeal after being served with a noise abatement notice by New Forest District Council.

They claim that only one of the families living opposite the pub has lodged a complaint about the noise made by live bands.

Mrs Laver said music was staged only on Friday or Saturday nights, always stopped before 11pm and was often drowned out by the sound of lorries thundering along the neighbouring A35.

She added: "We've got readings that prove it's not over the legal limit.

"Music nights are our main source of income. If we can't continue to hold them this pub will close."

Yesterday villagers staged a show of support for the couple, who have run the Forest Inn since 2020. They have also written letters of support as well as raising a petition.

Campaigners include Roland and Lorraine Bennett, of Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst.

Their letter says: "At no time has the music extended beyond the advertised opening hours, and in some instances has finished well before.

"The Forest Inn is situated on its own with no neighbouring properties on either side."

The letter says homes opposite the business are separated from the pub by the the A35, a dense line of trees and a service road.

It adds: "We cannot understand there being any issues or concerns."

Another letter says the couple were prevented from opening during lockdown and spent the time making a raft of improvements to the pub.

"These have made it an inviting venue to socialise with friends and family. It's also a great advert for what the New Forest has to offer.

"We hope these music evenings will be allowed to continue as we fear that if they're not the landlords may find it isn't in their interest to stay. This would be a tragedy after all they have done for the village."

Nick McMillen, of Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, also voiced his support for the pub.

He said: "Even if some sound does manage to cross the road get through the trees and another road and penetrate the windows it is not an unpleasant sound.

"Even if it was I am sure there would be more complaints."

The council, and the family said to have contacted the authority, declined to comment when approached by the Daily Echo.