THE licence of a rural pub is being reviewed following noise complaints.

Herefordshire Council claim that 24 events have gone past the cut-off point of 11pm at the Yew Tree in Preston on Wye between November 2012 and last month.

The local authority claims the venue has been sent five warning letters in respect of the breaches.

Fred Spriggs, a licensing officer at Herefordshire Council, said the premises' licence holders are "not promoting the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime".

"Furthermore, as disturbance is being caused to neighbours, the premises' licence holders are failing to prevent public nuisance," he added.

However, Theresa Brandeberry, joint-premises licence holder at the pub, disputed the claims.

"A person has alleged that we have had held 24 events in 15 months that has had music playing until 1am - that is simply not true," she said.

"The only events we have played until then were council licensed temporary event notices (TEN's) - we are rarely open after midnight.

"We have good support from our locals and the community and those who know us and the pub realise how ridiculous these allegations are.

"Live music has been played at the Yew Tree for the past 30 years - this is the first time it has become an issue and probably at the time it has been most regulated and considerate to neighbours.

"I am very aware of what is appropriate for a village and indeed for villagers who live there.

"It feels so unfair that we are under constant pressure with the council because of such a tiny minority when we have such a huge support from out community."