Cleethorpes LGBTQ+ club’s “unbearable” noise limited to 11pm

People who live around a Cleethorpes LGBTQ+ club say they were left at their wits’ end because of ‘unbearable’ pounding music, with one forced to sleep on his mum’s sofa.

Silhouette nightclub on Alexandra Road has had its hours for playing music slashed after neighbours told how they were unable to hear their own TVs above it.

Residents said noise could go on until 2am, and was far above the acceptable sound limit.

The club’s operators ignored repeated warning leters asking them to turn it down, North East Lincolnshire Council officers said.

The club has now been banned from playing live or recorded music after 11pm.

Noise complaints had been investigated two previous times by the council, after which limits had been agreed on the volume.

Owner Sean Desouza denied he had known the noise was a problem.

“Whenever I got a letter, I always picked up a phone and spoke to the council,” he told the licensing committee.

“No residents have ever spoken to me about it.

“I bought the premises because it had a music licence – if it is changed a couple of years down the line, then I’ve wasted that money.

“No one has touched the volume since the last time that [council officers] came.

“Silhouette isn’t louder than any of the other clubs in the area – we’re just in a different location.”

Recordings taken from a residents’ flat were playing to the licensing committee, with music and a PA clearly audible.

Michael Kheng, representing six residents who lived around the club, said it couldn’t be allowed to continue playing music into the early hours of the morning.

“Given the pandemic and refurbishments, this club has effectively only operated for 12 months over the last three years, and has had noise machines fitted in surrounding homes by the council three times. This is clearly very excessive,” he said.

“People are at their wits’ end, having to go to their friends and family at the weekend. They can’t sit at home and watch TV. It’s become unbearable.”

The council had previously ordered the club to keep doors and windows closed to limit the noise escaping.

However, Mr Desouza admitted the front door was constantly open as people entered and left.

Councillor Stephen Harness told him: “We always give our full support to small businesses, but we have to take the wellbeing of residents very seriously.

“I am disappointed you haven’t made more of an effort to represent yourself – we have given you every opportunity, and you showed no mind.”

Mr Desouza indicated he would be appealing the ruling.