A PUB owner has criticised claims by Herefordshire Council that she is not promoting her licensing objectives of the prevention of crime.

The Hereford Times reported last week that the licence of the Yew Tree Inn at Preston on Wye is being reviewed following noise complaints.

The council claims that 24 events have gone past the cut-off point of 11pm since November 2012 and the venue has been sent five letters about the breaches.

Fred Spriggs, a licensing officer at Herefordshire Council, said that, as well as "not promoting the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime", the premises' licence holders are also "failing to prevent public nuisance".

But, Theresa Brandeberry, joint-premises licence holder at the pub, claims that only 17 events were held between the time frame.

She added that the alleged 24 events were mentioned in a log kept by a villager complaining about noise.

"It is correct we have had five letters and we have turned to either licensing, environmental health or noise abatement in reply and for advice regarding every letter," she said.

"All are welcome to our tiny pub and I would ask the licensing section for support in running a rural pub, rather than putting up barriers because of complaints from such a tiny minority."