'WE don't want our lives ruined.' Those were the words uttered by an angry resident opposed to a pub that has changed its licence to allow 20 events a year. The Brocket Arms in Ayot St Lawrence was given permission for additional events and alcohol sales

WE don't want our lives ruined."

Those were the words uttered by an angry resident opposed to a pub that has changed its licence to allow 20 events a year.

The Brocket Arms in Ayot St Lawrence was given permission for additional events and alcohol sales outside, at a meeting of the borough council's licensing sub-committee.

However, the application has caused a frenzy among villagers, worried there could be "large and loud events".

One woman, who lives near the pub, said: "The pub is fantastic and I support what the pub owner has done with it so far.

"But my fear as someone living near the pub, is that there could be 20 large, loud events.

"What will the licensee do to make sure the music doesn't get too loud?

"We don't want our lives ruined."

Another villager blasted: "The previous owner didn't destroy the village at all. He saw just by the small events that it would cause upset.

"Accidents happened outside our house, cars are abandoned because people are drunk.

"We didn't use to flag them up with the police, but we will have to now."

He also believed cases of drink-driving would increase.

But Howard Sharp, the owner of the14th century inn, defended his pub.

He said: "We will be keeping things as they always have been.

"I have been open for more than four months and haven't held a single event.

"It is good for the local community to use the garden and to have the opportunity to have things like weddings and 21st birthdays here."

The terms of the new licence, however, means a worker will have to check the venue is not creating too much noise.

Residents living within 800 metres will also be given advance warning about any events to be staged.