A POPULAR Glasgow music venue could be axed after angry neighbours complained noise levels were forcing them out of their homes.
The 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 on Thursday 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.
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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 this week.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, 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 have also heard of children’ss sleep being disturbed; and businesses’ trading activity being affected during the day and night, due to noise associated with Bandstand activity. “
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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 in excess of 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 noise started from 9am until 11pm daily.
Mr Gibb said that environmental health officers visited on nine of the 14 evenings when the Summer Nights events were on last year. But he claimed that noise wasn’t above the threshold agreed in the licensing conditions.
He added: “If night time concerts are to be allowed in the future noise disturbance to local residents is an inevitable consequence.
“Were we to apply conditions that protected residents, events would not be viable as there is a minimum noise output required for the type of events taking place.”
Licensing bosses will be faced with 11 objections from residents on Thursday.
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Glasgow Life have proposed a 24-hour ‘hotline’ to deal with complaints, with staff also being employed to monitor noise at the venue.
Bosses at the leisure organisation are set to meet with community representatives to discuss concerns.
High level talks are also to take place between Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and the Major Events Board.
One of the main items on the agenda will be the noise that came from the World Pipe Band Championships last year, as well as this year’s Fiesta Fold and Pride events.
If the licence is not renewed, it could cast doubt on several concerts from acts including Alfie Boe, Van Morrison and The Fratellis.
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