All That Jazz

11.35.25am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 14th Jan 2005

Bulls Head licensee Dan Fleming, Dr Keith Tonge, Dr Jenny Tonge MP, John Kramer, Susan Kramer and James Croft

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park visited the Bull's Head public house in Barnes with Susan Kramer, the Lib Dem PPC, their respective husbands and several friends. The visit was to show support for this famous jazz venue which was recently served with a noise abatement order by Tory controlled Richmond Council.

The MP said: "The place was packed - we could barely get through the door, which just shows how popular it is. I've talked now to David Barnes, the Council's Head of Development and it seems that the situation is not as serious as some people thought.

"Mr Barnes told me the Brewery doesn't have to carry out expensive sound-proofing works - all the Council is asking is for the doors to be replaced and some sound-proofing baffles put on the ventilation system.

"The problem has been that the Brewery, having had their fingers burned before, were convinced the Council would be back, demanding more expensive measures further down the line.

"The Council has taken expert advice and is meeting with the Brewers this week to try to reassure them this isn't the thin end of a wedge. So I have every confidence good sense will prevail and the threat to the local jazz scene will be over."

Susan Kramer said: "At last, heads have been banged together! But we can take nothing for granted and the campaign must continue to keep the Bulls Head open. It would be a great loss, not only to the jazz community but to all the people of Barnes."