A NEW community centre in Easton will be allowed to sell alcohol following a meeting by licensing chiefs in Winchester.

The premises licence will also allow the £420,000 Easton Village Hall in Chapel Lane to host plays, films, private parties, as well as live and recorded music events.

But following the meeting at Winchester City Council, the licensing sub-committee agreed that no music should be played after 9pm, unless a noise limiting device is fitted.

It was also agreed that the device, which will cost around £1,500 to fit, is linked to the centre’s fire exits, so that the music stops if the doors are opened.

The decision comes after Winchester City Council received complaints about the application from residents Lucie Corbett, Mr and Mrs Beardow, and Greg Coleman.

They were concerned with noise levels, crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children.

One resident described noise levels at a recent 60th birthday party at the centre as “unbelievable”.

BBC journalist Robert Hall, chairman of the Easton Challenge Team, who helped organise the building of the new centre, told the residents at the meeting that “village halls are for using, not for looking at”.

He said: “We are a village hall, not a pub or a night club. It doesn’t even have a bar, there’s just a fridge.

“So the suggestion that our new community centre will be a magnet for binge drinking came as a bit of shock to the trustees.”

He added that the centre is only for use by village residents and that they are not looking to hold a “huge number of parties”.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Beardow, who lives next to the centre, said: “Our concern is that our peace and quiet will be destroyed.

“The potential is for a huge noise nuisance. On one occasion there was a private party and we had to keep our windows and doors shut.

“We are fearful for what the future holds for us.”

The village decided to build a new hall and cricket pavilion in 2003. After the old, dilapidated village hall was demolished last September, the new joint facility was opened last month with the majority of funding coming from villagers.

As reported in the Hampshire Chronicle, villagers were denied the opportunity to toast the opening of the centre when a music event called ‘Easton Rocks’ had to be postponed’ after residents in Chapel Lane objected to the centre’s bid for a premises licence.

The premises licence will also be used by Easton and Martyr Worthy Cricket Club, which will now be able to serve alcohol at cricket matches.