A PUB will have to be soundproofed before the licensee is allowed to host live music following complaints from neighbours.

James Smith, who lives next door to the Bowling Green Inn at Horwich, says he cannot hear his TV even on full volume when the pub's PA system is being used.

Now, following a hearing before Bolton Licensing Committee, pub landlady Jennifer Parker will have to hire an acoustic or sound consultant to advise on soundproofing.

Once she has done that she will be able to use her public entertainment licence to hold live music and discos on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mr Smith, who lives next to the pub, told councillors that its PA system "boomed through the walls" so loud on occasions that he was unable to hear the news on TV.

Landlady Jennifer Parker had applied for a public entertainment licence to allow the pub to host live music and a disco on Friday and Saturday nights.

Landlady Mrs Parker told the licensing committee that she had not realised that the adjoining property was occupied when she took over the venue three months ago.

The committee heard that Mrs Parker had booked a singer for the pub on one occasion, and the PA system was placed by the pub wall closest to Mr Smith's property.

Mr Smith said: "I couldn't hear myself think. I could see my television but could only hear the music."

Mr Smith had complained about the noise before Mrs Parker moved in.

Mrs Parker said she was unaware of any problems and said she needed a public entertainment licence to help trade pick up after a lull when the previous landlord left.

Mrs Parker said the pub had about a quarter of the custom it should have.

"It needs some kind of entertainment. There is a lot of competition, and unless I compete, I will have to move out."

The committee granted the licence, on the condition that an acoustic consultant was appointed to advise the pub on soundproofing changes, which must be carried out.