WAVERLEY Borough Council's (WBC) licensing sub-committee granted an occasional public entertainment license to The Holly Bush Public House, Frensham - the location of this year's Weyfest - on Monday. As reported in last week's Herald, WBC received four written complaints from unnamed residents in close proximity to The Holly Bush, which centred on issues of noise, traffic and access surrounding last year's charity music extravaganza. The event donates all its proceeds to the Treloar Trust. "I just wish to preserve my sanity and avoid the unpleasantness of last year's 'music festival', which is an inappropriate event to run right on the doorstep of local village houses," said one complainant. But at the meeting, held in WBC headquarters in Godalming, the organisers of Weyfest were quick to stress the planning that has gone into this year's event to ensure local residents do not feel put upon or violated. Mark Curran, landlord of The Holly Bush, remarked: "It is not in my interest to annoy the people of Frensham. I have been in regular discussion with the village about the event and I received many positive comments. I wasn't involved in last year's event, which was thrown together at a very late stage, and this year's Weyfest has been planned for the last 12 months." "Last year's event took place on the day of the village fair, and there was a huge amount of traffic with restricted access to Holly Bush Lane. "The roads will be patrolled by stewards this year to ensure that difficulties do not arise, and aside from parking space in the British Legion, we are in discussions with Morehouse School about using their car park," he added. With regard to noise, Weyfest will have to conform to environmental health noise levels, with the 1,000-watt sound system being monitored by a professional outfit. Following a 20-minute deliberation, committee chairman Leonard Bate announced WBC's decision to grant the license for the event on July 23-24. "I'm very pleased. The motivation here is Treloar's - that's why we do it. It's a fun, family event for people to enjoy," remarked Mr Curran. "Last year we raised £2,000 for Treloar's, and we are hoping that this year, Weyfest will contribute between £3,000-£5,000," added Jon Colville of Treloar College.
