Landlord quits village pub at centre of noise disputes

7:00am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

The Crown and Anchor at Lugwardine The Crown and Anchor at Lugwardine

A LANDLORD who hit out at neighbours complaining about noise from his Herefordshire pub has left the premises.

The Hereford Times reported in July that Mick Clifford, who ran the pub with his wife Suzanne, abandoned plans to hold a birthday party in the grounds of the Crown and Anchor in Lugwardine after being told he could still be the subject of a council noise order.

The former SAS captain and OBE-holder then laid into residents in nearby Traherne Close for complaining, saying that “they are just residents waiting to die” and had nothing better to do than write letters and complain.

He withdrew the temporary event notice application after being told that he could still be served with a statutory notice even if given the go-ahead for the bash.

A note on the door of the pub in the past few days stated that Suzanne and Mick had decided to close the business and cease trading.

The couple added that they wanted to thank everyone for their support over the past 18 months.

Enterprise Inns spokesman Amy Dolphin confirmed that the pub is temporarily closed while the brewery looks to recruit a new publican.

Comments(31)

silentbull says...
10:05am Wed 16 Jan 13

How long has the pub been there??
Why i ask is because 'if' it was there when the local residence moved in then shouldn't they had of thought maybe about the noise that would happen at times

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probono says...
10:29am Wed 16 Jan 13

More NIMBYs - when you buy a house you look at what is nearby and consider carefully if anything may pose a problem.
Another empty pub in herefordshire, what a pity

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Herefordian07 says...
11:11am Wed 16 Jan 13

More "Jack Boot" restrictions from a council that doesn't understand business and cares less about the country way of life. Well done residents - you have spoiled the village for your own selfish Grinch like attitudes, what's next? the post office or local shop!

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Ubique5740 says...
11:41am Wed 16 Jan 13

As stated previously, the pub was there before the residents of the nearby homes.
This pub will be missed by all - except residents of the Close, it's rated number 13 out of over 130 local restaurants on Tripadvisor, has 5 stars from HCC for hygiene etc.
It will be missed,hope they holds a super farewell party. I wish them well.

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rogero says...
2:12pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Excuse me, but the Regiment people I have known over 33 years made it quite clear that the previous rank they had in another Regiment disappears when they move to the SAS, so, why is he given the rank of Captain?
And my local pub is very careful about noise, as all landlords should be. I say good riddance to him and the tribe and, go and buy a pub in Hounslow instead.
The comments above are from pillocks who come to Herefordshire to enjoy the "country way of life" and want to bring their filthy city lives with them. I bet they would even have local churches stop bell ringing?
And, was this Mick actually in the Regiment or "just attached" as many army people say they're SAS when in fact not at all.

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bobby47 says...
3:23pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Rogero, Goodness my good friend! That's an awful lot of bile to deliver on a man who's served his Country.
I know a little more about this rank issue than you and if this good man earns that rank serving you and keeping you safe, he's entitled to use it.
Be a little kinder my good friend especially when it comes to issues regarding the Armed Forces.
My very best wishes to you.

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probono says...
3:58pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Agree with bobby47, shut up rogero on the subject of the Regiment. This is another village facility gone for the locals. It would make a nice house but I don't expect HC planners would allow that, recently they refused a shop change of use back to a house despite being next door to houses and 'out on a limb'. It is of course still empty and a young couple are deprived of a place to rent or buy whil the planners and their commitee have their own little preferences and prejudices which are miles away from reality in this County.

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Ubique5740 says...
4:20pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Oh Dear, Rogero why get personal with Posters -
I was born in this County, when I joined up I was stationed at Bradbury Lines ( before it became Stirling Lines ) so except when I was helping to sort out the Governments instructions and living abroad I have always lived within 5 miles of High Town.
A number of ex members of the Regiment have written books on their Proud Service, without fail they have mentioned their Rank and Bravery Awards in the book.
A good day to you .

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rogero says...
4:49pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Oh dear, at least it's prompted a discussion. All the Regiment personnel I've met have been perfect gentlement, including Major Danny.
My local has a definite contact with us and where there is, say a wedding party outside, they finish the music at 9pm which then goes inside. So polite.

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nickt2635 says...
5:08pm Wed 16 Jan 13

I once lived on a smallholding in the village of Tillington and next door was a bungalow which was rented by a serviceman who was posted in Germany, a few years ago it became vacant and the tenancy was taken up by some rich numpty from West Wycombe, within days he was knocking on my door asking me to "stop them bloody cockerels crowing at 5am!!! We're city folk and we moved to the countryside for a bit of peace and quiet" I probably can't say on here what my reply was!!!

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rogero says...
5:21pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Thank goodness we have some discussion on townies coming to the countryside. I came to the county as a teaching career choice in 1979 and I have to say it did take a while to adapt but, I agree with Nick above, we had people moving into my village next to the church then complaining about the church bell practice. I have some very close friends in Tillington, I mean, the 'newcomers' want fresh free range eggs (2 places in Tillington and not bad for £2.40p a dozen) they need to realise that for hens to produce eggs there needs to be a cockerel!

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silentbull says...
6:54pm Wed 16 Jan 13

rogero wrote:
Thank goodness we have some discussion on townies coming to the countryside. I came to the county as a teaching career choice in 1979 and I have to say it did take a while to adapt but, I agree with Nick above, we had people moving into my village next to the church then complaining about the church bell practice. I have some very close friends in Tillington, I mean, the 'newcomers' want fresh free range eggs (2 places in Tillington and not bad for £2.40p a dozen) they need to realise that for hens to produce eggs there needs to be a cockerel!
They sound utter ****!!!


Sorry, somebody had to say it :-)

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Dave The Dumbest says...
7:14pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Rogero, I don't know what chickens you have but I have around 12 Rhode island Red chickens which lay at least one egg a day each and ther is NO cockerel in sight. I think the boy chicken is to fertalize the girl chickens eggs to produce more chicks.

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rogero says...
7:23pm Wed 16 Jan 13

....but of course, I know that. I had a colleague from Brum who thought that rearing a couple of pigs was great until his children named them Pinky and Perky so when they were butchered they would not eat 'em (pigs I mean)

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rogero says...
7:23pm Wed 16 Jan 13

....but of course, I know that. I had a colleague from Brum who thought that rearing a couple of pigs was great until his children named them Pinky and Perky so when they were butchered they would not eat 'em (pigs I mean)

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Wellymitts says...
7:32pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Guys..I am in the business and this guy bullied his way into the pub and when it didn't go right for him he threw a wobbly!! Hes only been operating for 16 mths and managed to upset everyone that has lived next to this beautiful pub for years.He has been rude and unwelcoming and many people in the trade cannot believe how he has behaved. The C&A is a great little business that doesnt need huge parties and loud music. Lease a weatherspoons if you want to do that.Its a country inn and should have been the hub of the village...not a disco until 2.30. He alienated them from day one and its nothing to do with his rank or previous career blah blah blah...The previous tenants had the place for 18 years and had no trouble because they realized that your locals and neighbors are not the enemy. Everyone thinks they can run a pub and quite honestly they cant...Its hard to please everyone all the time and Mr Clifford OBE or whatever thought he knew it all and could do what ever he wanted. But dont worry I have it on good authority that it wont be closed long!!!!

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billy wizz says...
11:49pm Wed 16 Jan 13

just for rogero need to think a bit before you comment did you not read the article mick is very well know to me and i can assure you he was in the sas for many years not some local wannabe !!!
the article is about a pub not his army career so just think before you spout your bile about someone you no nothing of .bl**dy keyboard warrior

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bobby47 says...
12:43am Thu 17 Jan 13

rogero, As you'll note from the time of my posting, I cant sleep. Why? Because of you my friend! In your Post you've sat at your keyboard and you've trashed the name of a man who has served you and your Country well and who deserves your gratitude and your respect.
Its because of people like Captain Clifford and others on this site that ensure that you can sit at your keyboard and say whatever you wish and transmit whatever you like.
You've no idea what its like to be called upon to serve your Country and I dont wish for you to find out but I do ask that from hereon, before you transmit bile, you consider your own freedoms and display a little respect and gratitude.
You'd do well not to go to war with me over this and simply transmit a straightforward appology that I am sure Captain Clifford would be pleased to read.
Im asking you politely to appologise to this Officer and from hereon think a little before you commit your thoughts to your computer.
As for Wellymits, you may of course be right. Perhaps the Captain was'nt the best publican that pulled a pint or threw a dart, but, given his antecedent history and the life he and his family have had to live to give you your free future perhaps you could have bourne this in mind before you decided to join in kicking a man who deserves some dignity and respect.
I would imagine that this Officer will have read these posts and you can be sure of two things. Me, Ubique and Probono will go to heaven and you will regret your outburst for some considerable time.
For my part, Im King of this site and Im disappointed in you both.
My very warmest regards to you.

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rogero says...
1:21am Thu 17 Jan 13

OK I do apologise for any offence I may have caused you and warmest regards to you

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KNIGHTROOK says...
8:30am Thu 17 Jan 13

I agree with bobby47 this man put our lives before his own...an honorable man. The Pub was in need of modernizing and a modern approach to business attracting a larger , varied clientele/patronage the locals familiar with the quiet previous landlords object to change they had issue with late night parties...but was it every day? Or once in a blue moon...give and take people!

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Wellymitts says...
10:00am Thu 17 Jan 13

With much respect bobby 47 I am not disputing the gentleman's military career and I really couldn't care less if you are disappointed in me or not. I am actually married to a airman who is serving his country in foreign lands at this time. I haven't seen him for 3 months and only know how much our armed forces ( and wives like me!) give to this country.
I bow to you King Bobby and apologies if my post caused offence.

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bobby47 says...
10:16am Thu 17 Jan 13

Rogero. Thankyou my good friend.
Wellymits, Pardoned. Well done.
My warmest regards to you both.

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Ubique5740 says...
2:46pm Thu 17 Jan 13

As an aside Wellymitts, my daughter in law is also in the RAF serving in a hot God forsaken Country so I do have some understanding of how you are feeling. Stay happy, look forward to his safe return and keep sending the Blueys.

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Wellymitts says...
3:33pm Thu 17 Jan 13

That is really kind of you Ubique5740. Very touched by your words. It can be a bit tough but I am very proud of what he does. My love and safe return to your daughter in law. xxx

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bobby47 says...
4:43pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Wellymits & Ubique, Can I also say the same to both of you. Not many on this site will appreciate how important the 'blue'ys' are to keep you all going.
Happily for me and my family we don't have to write them anymore.
My very best wishes to both of you.

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Ubique5740 says...
5:07pm Thu 17 Jan 13

I know that I have drifted from the actual subject
Bobby47' the blueys have advanced so much,I can recall that when I was in Malaya and Sarawak in the early 60 blueys took 3 weeks to arrive via the Troopships, now we send it via the computer and in the next 24 hours its converted to a proper paper Bluey so that the receiver can actually open a letter, they say its much better to receive the letter than email , I am sure that they are right.

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bobby47 says...
5:17pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Ubique, Can the family still send food and gift parcels or have the MOD discouraged it because of costs?

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Ubique5740 says...
5:26pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Bobby47 Yes, we still send parcels of goodies every month or so, our son tells us what is wanted, it's mainly toiletries , and a few treats. There is a box size one has to confirm to. It certainly does help us getting involved, this is her third and hopefully the last tour, home in March for two weeks then finally May/June.

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bobby47 says...
5:41pm Thu 17 Jan 13

I opened a blue'y on one occasion and our boy and his mob were fishing and betting on racing lizards in the middle of the shock and awe we all witnessed on TV during the initial attack upon Bagdad.
Our lads and lasses will allways find a way old friend. British!!!! fun, humour and do what it takes to get the job done.
Take care old friend.

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fordshire77 says...
9:58am Fri 18 Jan 13

Our armed forces are one of the only things left that make this country GREAT I for one know the pains of war AND I’m still struggling to get my head round what the government did to the Harrier Jets and scrapping some of our greatest ships!

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Hereford673 says...
2:36pm Mon 21 Jan 13

The Crown and Anchor….where do I start??? Well let’s start with the locals….I admit that Captain Clifford’s comments were a little harsh (waiting to die) but everyone is fully aware of the media spin that is put on stories to sell newspapers (even from a small and slightly boring newspaper like the Hereford Times); also I would highlight that the reporter that wrote this article was refused a story by Mr and Mrs Clifford a few days earlier…a little suspicious if you ask me?!
Now to the noise…yes the locals are correct that the pub was there for 18 years before Captain Clifford and his charming wife owned it but it was disgusting, the food was average and most of the time the beer was undrinkable, as an added bonus the guy behind the bar was constantly drunk with little care for his personal hygiene and manners….now how does this sound better? The new Anchor was a place where the food was highly recommended, hygiene scores were sky high, the bar staff and waitresses ranged from aspiring vets, soldiers and doctors so you were never short a conversation and the beer was amazing! Before this pub was taken over the locals may have had no trouble but that was because there were no customers! Lack of customers is something that the New Crown and Anchor didn’t suffer from!!!!
Personal Slander….no very tasteful and not advisable when Captain Clifford’s previous achievements can be witnessed throughout internet pages, books, museums and even an honouring from the queen! I think the people who wrote these posts should be ashamed of a man who served 24 years in the Armed forces and now has two sons also serving, this is a proud military family who over the 18months at the crown and anchor raised thousands of pounds for the British Legion and Help the Hero’s….now does that sound like a family that are monsters??? As for Suzanne…what a pleasant women whose intelligence and ambition was clear throughout the pub, it was welcoming, and I hate to say it but she managed to get rid of all the alcoholics and undesirables in very short time….maybe if she is reading this she could do this in a number of other pubs in Hereford!

Finally, I wish them well and hope that they enjoyed the last 18 months as much as we did! And as for the miserable locals who are ‘waiting to die’ good luck running the next landlord out!

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