A VILLAGE pub near Pewsey has been granted permission to extend. Despite fears by residents in Enford of increased parking problems, Kennet district councillors approved a planning application for an extension to be built at The Swan Inn to create a larger dining area.

Paul Jackson, who has run The Swan with his wife, Clare, for the past two years, told Kennet's regulatory committee: "We have built a solid reputation of good service and value for money. We now find ourselves in the position of having to turn away larger groups.

"We are currently limited with the dining room to accommodating 18 people. The purpose of the extension is to create a private dining area for events like birthdays and weddings."

Hilary Merrett, a parish councillor was representing residents concerned about plans, said it would lead to increased numbers of people from outside visiting the pub.

Mrs Merrett said: "Coaches terrify the residents. There's nowhere for coaches to park or turn and it's quite a dangerous area now for parking.

"Enford is a village with a country pub which is lovely and I think to change the atmosphere of that would be a big mistake."