The landlady of a pub at the centre of a council row over outdoor music has said she feels she "hasn't been given a chance" as a court date has been set.

Last year, the Rampant Horse in Coddenham Road in Needham Market was at risk of having its outdoor music licence revoked following noise complaints.

A petition was launched, which landlady Alison Wyartt said gained more than 2,000 signatures, and in December Mid Suffolk District Council's licencing committee decided to allow the premises to host live music outside twice a month.

Stowmarket Mercury: The Rampant Horse on Coddenham Road in Needham Market The Rampant Horse on Coddenham Road in Needham Market (Image: Google maps)

Now, Ms Wyartt said she has been informed that the council's environmental protection team has appealed the matter and it will now go before magistrates' court in the autumn.

Mid Suffolk District Council said it had a duty to protect people living nearby if music was deemed to be a "continued public nuisance".

Ms Wyartt said: "We had a meeting with them in December and it was agreed that we could have music from May to September 6pm to 9.30pm and two events per month. 

"They haven't even given us a chance to do it really.

"We are allowed to continue with the music this year and go ahead with the 10 dates that we've got booked, but then it will go to court on November 6.

"It is going to cost us thousands, isn't it? We didn't think this would happen, we thought it was all resolved."

Stowmarket Mercury: Landlady Alison WyarttLandlady Alison Wyartt (Image: Alison Wyartt)

Ms Wyartt, who took on the pub in April 2021, said she has experienced "unbelievable support" from residents. 

She said: "The people that have complained really are in the minority. The support we've had is absolutely unreal.

"Within minutes of posting on Facebook we'd had emails coming through and they have written the most lovely things. It is quite overwhelming."

A Mid Suffolk District Council spokesperson said: “We are keen to support pubs in our district, and want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves, but we also have a legal duty to protect a pub’s neighbours if, in the professional opinion of our environment protection officers, there is a danger of continued public nuisance as a result of noise from outdoor performances.

“By asking the magistrates court to take a fresh look and decide on the best course of action we can be sure that we have a fair, enforceable, and legally safe outcome for both the council and local community.”