DAWKINS JOINS STIRRER SUMMIT ON DIGBETH

26-09-2007

Birmingham councillor Nigel Dawkins who sits on the city's licensing committee has added his name to Thursday's Stirrer Summit on the future of Digbeth.

Dawkins will help explain the measures which can be taken against licensees who offend against noise regulations - and he'll also venture his personal opinion that those moving to an area are entitled to a decent night's sleep regardless of what activities have traditionally gone on there.

That's sure to be controversial given that the venue is the Spotted Dog, the pub served with a Noise Abatement Order by residents from the newly built Abacus Apartments next door.

Dawkins will be joined by a colleague from the Planning Committee, Peter Douglas Osborn, a fearless champion of conservation, and as independent-minded as they come.

Unfortunately, the developers behind the major redevelopment of Digbeth - the Dublin-based Naus group - have had to withdraw.

Watch out though for one or two surprise guests on the night.

In any event, it promises to be a lively joust, with the aim of discovering whether it really is possible to balance the needs of much-needed residential development with the area's thriving pub and club scene.

Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be chairing the event and guaranteeing that ALL points of view will have the chance to be heard.

Get on down to the Spotted Dog, 7.45pm on Thursday.