LAST STAND?
Licence threat for music venue as neighbours hit out at ‘excessive’ noise
A CRUNCH hearing will decide if Kelvingrove Bandstand can continue hosting its busy summer music events following complaints.
Neighbours living close by have complained about noise levels – with some said to have been forced out due to the issue.
A POPULAR Glasgow music venue could be silenced after angry neighbours complained noise levels were forcing them out of their homes.
Kelvingrove Bandstand is set to stage a summer of high-profile events, including Pride and the Summer Nights series in the coming months.
But neighbours could put a stop to that tomorrow when Glasgow Life applies for a renewal of its public entertainment licence for the venue.
Ward councillor Christy Mearns claimed residents have been forced to leave their homes due to excessive noise during concerts.
And council chiefs have confirmed there was an increase in noise complaints last year, with almost a dozen objections going in front of the licensing committee tomorrow.
Pride organisers said they had only just announced their line-up for the summer and they supported the application.
Ms Mearns said: “Noise has been a primary issue for the majority of these residents.
“I have heard from families who have felt the need to leave their home during the event-heavy summer months because of being unable to enjoy quiet in their homes, and also outside, due to amplified events both within the Bandstand and in the park itself.
“I’ve also heard of children’s sleep being disturbed; and businesses’ trading activity being affected during the day and night, due to noise associated with Bandstand activity.”
Martin Gibb, the council’s health and safety team leader, said: “In 2015 and 2016, relatively few complaints were received about noise; however, 2017 saw a marked increase both in the number of complaints received and also in the anger being expressed by affected persons.
“This may reflect the increased number of events being held at the bandstand.”
Mr Gibb said there had been more than 30 complaints last year with many people saying there were too many concerts and that events ran too late.
There were also complaints about noise coming from the World Pipe Band Championships, with residents saying that went on from 9am until 11pm daily.
Mr Gibb said that environmental health officers visited on nine of the 14 Summer Nights last year but said noise wasn’t above the threshold agreed in the licensing conditions.
If the licence is not renewed, it could cast doubt on several concerts from acts, including Alfie Boe, Van Morrison and The Fratellis.
One of their main summer events is Pride Glasgow, which is hosting the majority of its weekend-long event activities at the park.
David Sinclair, senior event manager at Pride Glasgow, said: “We have just announced our alternate free event, which will take place on the Bandstand on July 14 and 15. Whilst our main event will take place in Kelvingrove Park.
“We would support the Bandstand’s renewal application, it is a stunning venue with lots of opportunities and we look forward to working with Glasgow Life at the Bandstand.
“As an event we work within the remits of licences set out by Glasgow City Council.”