A PUB'S licensed opening hours have been cut following complaints about noise, it emerged today.

A PUB'S licensed opening hours have been cut following complaints about noise, it emerged today.

Leiston's White Horse Hotel had its hours reduced by Suffolk Coastal District Council after a series of protests about noise prompted a review of its conditions.

The council's environmental protection team brought the case against the licensee, Declan Lohan, after its investigations revealed a catalogue of short-comings at the pub which were both threatening the safety of its users and the quality of life of nearby residents.

Counicillor Andrew Nunn, cabinet member for the natural environment, said: “Our licensing panel was presented with a report outlining problems with poor management that has both allowed blatant breaches of the pub's operating licence, causing much annoyance to its neighbours, and some serious safety lapses.

“Some of the issues should be addressed by £125,000 of improvements now being carried out, and the promise that there will now be a regular and accountable manager.

“However, the panel has shown that this council is taking its record seriously and as a result is insisting that it close earlier than before on five nights a week.

“I would warn its owners that if further problems are reported our environmental protection team is ready to ask for stronger action to be taken against them.

“This is a final warning to those who run the White Horse Hotel to get their act together. They claim to have learnt their lesson and be putting things right, but both this council and those living near to the pub will be keeping a close eye on it to make sure they are doing things safely and legally.”