RESIDENTS who have had to put up with loud outdoor music at a Dartmouth pub say they are fighting back with the law on their side.

More than 20 householders who live around the George and Dragon in Mayor's Avenue claim they have had to suffer 'loud and intrusive' amplified music coming from the beer garden for too long.

Now they are hoping the pub could face new restrictions on noise when it opens next spring after major alterations.

Residents' spokesman Teddy Cranmer said: 'These concerts have been going on sometimes two or three times a week for two-to-four hours daily from May until the end of September.

'We have had enough.

'As neighbours in a largely residential area of the town, and part conservation area, we strongly object to the regular and continual playing of excessive amplified music in the beer garden.

'We consider this represents an unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of our homes as it has occurred regularly in the summer months over the past four or five years.

'This has now become intolerable and it appears it is likely to increase due to the addition of a raised stage in their beer garden.'

Mr Cranmer, who lives in Broadstone, said in spite of repeated requests to South Hams Council's environmental health department, the brewery and licensee, the problem of excessive noise had escalated.

'A noise limiter fitted in 2013 has been largely ineffective and appears capable of being overridden,' he said.

'Consequently, neighbours are rightly up in arms but have had little success in curbing these problems due to previous legislation.

'But since October this year, the Home Office's new Policing Bill has come into operation and it is now possible for neighbours to take meaningful action in such cases.

'We intend to follow the path set out in this new legislation to curb what has become an ever increasing nuisance.'

Dartmouth Town Council's planning committee decided last week that it would write to South Hams Council's environmental health and licensing departments asking for clarification over the matter before the pub reopens next spring.

Cllr Roger Chilcott said it was the commercial centre of the town but the views of people living nearby should be taken into account as well.

Clr Robin Springett said he would be concerned about any unnecessary restriction placed on a business.

'We are desperate for employment here but have to find out how we do this in a way that is acceptable to residents,' he said.

A spokesman for South Hams Council said: 'Following complaints received over the summer and monitoring that has been undertaken, we have been in discussion with the owner of the premises with a view to reducing the impact from the music.

'This has been delayed as the entertainment is seasonal and weather dependent and the George and Dragon is now closed for refurbishment until April 2015.

'The noise limiter will be recalibrated before any entertainment takes place next year.'

Nobody was available for comment at the George and Dragon pub.