People have rushed to support a landlady who launched a fierce defence of her pub after a "petty complaint" about loud music.

Mel Evans, who runs the Plough in Swalecliffe, near Whitstable, took to Facebook to hit back at those moaning about the noise coming from the popular boozer.

In a 10-point post which won widespread plaudits, she addressed the complainant, who she branded "miserable" and "petty".

Mrs Evans, who took over the Plough a few years ago and reopened the pub with a new-look in May 2019, says she has worked tirelessly to build up a good reputation.

In responding to a noise complaint on Friday night, she posted on Facebook standing up for her business, first saying that it was just a solo artist performing.

She added: "We couldn’t answer the phone, not due to music being 'loud', but busy with table service.

"You must have realised living near a pub [that it] will occasionally get 'loud'. We have had a year of wondering if my staff would still have jobs

"My musicians, who I will continue to support, have had no work for a year

"I have worked tirelessly within the community to make sure this pub is something to be proud of. We support a lot of people within this community."

She said the gig only lasted for two-and-a-half hours, adding: "Maybe come try the pub instead of constantly wanting to complain about it - I’ve enough worry without petty phone calls."

The post has gained huge support, with one man commenting: "Well said Mel. It's been a long hard year for businesses and musicians trying to keep food on the table. You guys are doing a fantastic job working so hard to keep it all going. Thank you."

Another stated: "I work over a hundred venues as a singer and without exception every single one has a resident that complains about the noise.

"Some of the venues have stood for hundreds of years and are known for live music when they moved nearby. They should move to Heathrow and complain about aeroplane noise instead."

Another supporter added: "If you don't want noise don't move near a pub/restaurant/club etc!

"Someone complained about the smell from the harbour after moving nearby from London, errr, it's a working harbour??? Some people just love to complain!"

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