The landlord of a popular riverside pub has branded councillors kill-joys for not allowing him to stage parties into the early hours.

Hundreds of young people attend the events held about ten times a year at The Ferryman Inn at Bablockhythe, beside the River Thames near Standlake.

Peter Kelland, who re-opened the pub in 1991, asked West Oxfordshire District Council to extend his entertainments licence until 2am for events starting on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holiday Sundays. But members of the licensing sub-committee refused the request, after being told by environmental services director Paul Lankester that people living near the pub had complained about the rave-style events.

Mr Kelland said after the decision: "These councillors seem totally against anything for young people.

"We don't get any trouble and have people outside patrolling. I think I am being victimised." He has made alterations to limit noise and future work will include £2,300 worth of double glazing.

Mr Kelland's unopposed application to extend his licence to 6am on January 1 was granted by councillors.

Story date: Friday 05 November

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