ROY and PAT TOWNSEND, of Parkfield, Thurlestone, write:

With reference to the long article about the successful shushing of the noise from the Village Inn at Thurlestone, Gazette, October 14, we feel the newspaper presented a very biased view, as if the whole of Parkfield had complained, when in fact it was a minority.

At no time were we consulted about our opinion, and ­neither were our neighbours.

What a pity your reporter and officers from South Hams Council did not take other views into consideration, but merely those of the people who complained.

We have lived in Parkfield for 48 years and accept that ­living so close to the local pub inevitably means some noise on occasion, but we certainly have no grounds for complaint.

It was unfortunate that ­planning permission was given to build homes so close to the road and to the pub in a holiday area, where on a pleasant summer evening there is bound to be some level of noise.

We are grateful for the income that visitors bring to the area – they can hardly be refused permission to drink outside the Village Inn after 10pm.

If, as stated, staff were responsible for the noise, then the hotel management has dealt with this and it is hardly fair for all the staff to be penalised for the actions of a few.

It is to be hoped that in future your reporter will write a more balanced account of such events.