February 8, 2001 9:28: FED-up residents fear a pub's application for an entertainment licence could lead to more vandalism.

Neighbours of the Saracen's Head in London End, Beaconsfield, are up in arms after the Beefeater pub and restaurant applied for a public entertainment licence which would enable it to have three-piece bands performing live in the bar.

Some residents and a local business, Wilson Learning Europa Ltd, have written to South Bucks District Council expressing their concern.

Jan van der Pump, of Malthouse Square, said that she was tired of the "yobs" attracted to the area by the Saracen's Head. There has been more vandalism in the Old Town recently.

She added: "This town is being denigrated by yobbos coming here. They always hold a congregation outside this pub and it's becoming hazardous to walk around there.

"They seem to have to drink stuff out of the neck of a bottle and not out of glasses. We do not want any more yobbos than there already are."

Julian Jackson, general manager at the Saracen's Head, said he only wanted an extension to the existing entertainment licence to allow jazz bands to play in the restaurant.

He added: "I am a part of the community here and I only have the community's interests at heart.

"This licence would just mean we can extend the size of the bands we have playing.

"My main concern is the restaurant here and I want to create a good atmosphere for people to enjoy."

Matthew Harris