Neighbours have called time on anti-social behaviour at the Beacon Court Tavern.

Over the past five years residents of Trafalgar Street, Gillingham say noise levels, fights and property damage around the music venue have spiralled out of control, especially between Thursdays and Sundays when music gigs are held.

Environmental health and Medway’s Council’s licensing teams say they are working with the brewery and the licensee to ensure customers behave sensibly.

But Chris Kemp, 39, who had lived in Trafalgar Street for six years, says more could be done. He said: “We understand there is going to be some level of disruption but the problems we are experiencing are out of control.

“We have contacted the brewery with our concerns, as well as the landlord and the council. The last fight between a passer-by and a patron was the last straw.

“We aren’t complaining about the general pub noise but it is everything else that goes with the types of crowds the venue draws, such as shouting, swearing, fighting and urinating up the front of houses.

Landlord Simon Olley has run the Beacon Court Tavern for eight years. He said: “I am running a business, and at the end of the day I can’t afford for there to be trouble.

“If those complaining were to come into the venue then they would realise the customers aren’t there to cause trouble.

“I’m willing to work with people who are reasonable, and sort out problems based on fact and not gossip.

“Yes we do have a few problems, but every venue like this probably does, and we always want to improve. We haven’t set out to annoy anyone.”

A Shepherd Neame spokesman said: “We are aware that there have been issues at Beacon Court Tavern and we believe that the licensee has taken steps to address these.

“Shepherd Neame takes all reports from the public seriously.”

Although the police have no record of the fight, Insp Dave Coleman said: “Kent Police in Medway work closely with the licensed community to ensure that people can enjoy themselves without the fear of crime.

“Together we have a range of measures and resources available to us and will work with our partners to effectively deal with any issues which may arise.”