Village 'divided' over pub's outdoor films plan

A decision will be made by New Forest District Council's licensing sub-committee on Wednesday

Objections have been raised to a village pub's plans to change its licence so it can show films outdoors.

The Horse and Groom in Woodgreen, near Fordingbridge, has applied to New Forest District council to extend the licence area to include the rear garden, the marquee and the car park at the front.

Neighbours have complained of "wheel spinning" cars in the car park and said the pub had turned into a "destination club" with the "nuisance of festival type gatherings".

Pub owner Mark Flanigan said: "It is sad how its divided the village. We are the fabric of the community."

A decision will be made by the council's licensing sub-committee on Wednesday.

More than 400 people have signed a petition in support of the changes.

Mr Flanigan said he hoped to show films like Elf at Christmas time for young children

Mr Flanigan has owned the pub for two years and wants to vary his licence in to allow the screenings.

He said he wanted to make the changes so that he can screen movies like Black Beauty for members of the local pony club and Elf at Christmas time for young children.

A statement read out on behalf of neighbour Tony Gurd, 88, said: "I have never been so disturbed by noise from customers leaving all together, late at night, wheel spinning in the car park."

Another resident said the detrimental affect on neighbours was intolerable.