A VILLAGE is preparing for a wake-up call as council bosses allow a traditional pub to play music.

But many in Chiseldon will not be dancing to the tune and have vowed to boycott The Elm Tree.

Controversy has reigned ever since management unveiled plans to up-grade the pub's function room into a live music venue earlier this year.

Laura Harris, licensee of the 200-year-old pub, looked into soundproofing the room as part of a £20,000 makeover but the idea was shelved when planning chiefs ruled that it would spoil the appearance of the listed building.

On June 2, a licence was finally approved but with the proviso that music would only be played in the bar area.

But many villagers are still angry and believe their peace and quiet will be compromised.

Around 10 vented their anger at a public meeting held on Thursday, attended by both Mrs Harris and Lionel Starling, the licensing officer of Swindon Council.

Graham Rivers, who lives in the High Street, fears a rise in traffic and other anti-social behaviour.

He said: "The last thing we want to see is the music getting turned up as more people flood in. That's happening in Swindon town centre and we do not want it in Chiseldon.

"A lot of younger people use the pub as it is and this will only encourage more to go there."

Mrs Harris has promised keep noise down to a minimum and is welcoming suggestions from villagers.

She said: "We are not here to cause trouble and we are certainly not planning to create an all-night Reggae disco here in Chiseldon. The Elm Tree will remain a traditional village pub.

"We have a lot of younger customers and they need catering for too.

"If anyone has any problems they should feel free to approach me."

Not all are against the license however.

Don Kent of nearby Church Street, reckons music could give the village a much needed boost. And he hit out at "supersensitive" villagers.

He said: "The music will only be played loudly on a Friday and Saturday night so who cares?

"A few years ago people moaned about a barn dance I was involved in people are always moaning about something."

Mr Starling said: "The meeting was useful in that it stopped rumours circulating as they often do in villages.

"The Elm Tree will not be turned into a major music pub all we are talking about is the occasional disco and karaoke.

"Swindon Council will be reviewing the situation in six months."

Kevin Shoesmith