Don't silence Digbeth's din

Jul 5 2007

EARLIER this week I reported on the battle for the soul of Digbeth, where pub and club owners are facing demands to curb their late night activities now that apartments are being built in the area.

The first victim is John Tighe (pictured), landlord of the wonderful Spotted Dog in Alcester Street, which has been served with a noise abatement order, killing off entertainment in the lively pub garden.

It's all because of complaints made by people living in the nearby Abacus building, but resident Chris Fitzmaurice has contacted me to say that he recently bought a flat there precisely because he wants to enjoy the nightlife.

The 34-year-old and partner Melissa are regulars at the Rainbow pub and The Medicine Bar and chose to live nearby, even though he has to commute to Coleshill for work.

"We knew it would sometimes be noisy, but that goes with the territory," he said. "If it was an issue with us we wouldn't have moved here."

Unfortunately, not all of his neighbours are so understanding and these conflicts are destined to become more common. If recent form is any guide the NIMBYs will win, and those who enjoy one of Birmingham's best-loved districts will lose out.