LANDLORD WARNS - "DIGBETH WILL DIE"

29-06-2007

The landlord of one of Birmingham’s best loved pubs has warned that the unique character of Digbeth will be destroyed after his premises were issued with a noise abatement order.

John Tighe, who runs the Spotted Dog on Alcester Street has posted a passionate and angry message of our forum, accusing developers of “rolling over” council developers.

He fears that music and entertainment venues in the area will be picked off, one by one, as speculators seek to cash in on city living. But as he points out, the vibrancy and culture of venues like his are precisely what makes the area attractive.

The Stirrer first warned of the threat to Digbeth a fortnight ago, when we revealed that residents of the new Abacus Building were complaining about the Medicine Bar and Air nightclub as well as the Spotted Dog (to see our story click here)

Tighe told us that the Abacus development, “should never have been allowed to go up without regard to existing licensees. The developers are supposed to put sound insulation into these places. It’s a disgrace.”

Ironically, the noise abatement order has been served on the back of just three complaints,and meansthat tonightwill have to close his pub to the public to accommodate a seven piece band and 120 party goers.

They group had been hoping to enjoy themselvesin the garden,but will now be forced inside to the lounge and bar,leaving no room for the regulars or passers-by.

The obvious comparison is with the Fiddle and Bone, a short-lived but much loved music pub close to the NIA which was hampered by so many noise restrictions that it was eventually forced to close.

Tighe warned: “The area will be left desolate, with none of its former vibrant, flakey character.

“It will comprise thousands of residents living in mean, lifeless streets who will be wondering ‘Whatever happened to that terrific, lively, Irish Quarter that Concept Development Solutions and The Council promised us, with the leafy boulevards and exciting squares?’”

READ JOHN’S COMMENTS ON OUR MESSAGEBOARD - CLICK HERE AND ADD YOUR OWN THOUGHTS.