STAFF at a 16th century country pub have lauched a campaign as they fear its beer and music festivals will be ditched - after one person moaned.

The Viper pub in Mill Green Road, Ingatestone, recieved a single complaint during the Easter Bank Holiday festival.

Landlady Donna Torris said: “I have no idea who made it, but from what I can make out it was just one person.

“On Sunday as the last band was playing minutes before closing time, environmental health officer called at 10.28pm saying if we didn’t stop the police would come round.

“The whole situation could have been handled better.”

If the festivals go Mrs Torris, who has run the pub for eight years, fears it could lead to it closing.

She said: “It would break my heart. But these events help our business and are popular within our community.”

Ashley Culverwell, head of health, safety and localism, said the council would look to resolve the matter. He said: “The council supports community entertainment and we will always try to get the right balance between local residents’ desire for peace and quiet and those wishing to enjoy local entertainment.”

To sign the petition, visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/keep-the-viper-beer-festival-alive.