Lolly scheme works wonders

An unlikely silent weapon is being used by licensees in Wiltshire to control late-night noise.

Lollipops are being handed out to revellers as they leave Melksham town centre premises in the early hours of the morning.

Licensees hope customers will be too busy enjoying the tempting treats to disturb nearby residents with their noisy chatter on the way home.

A similar scheme in Devon halved noise levels last year and now it is hoped Melksham will experience the same success.

The Tavern, a busy nightspot in the centre of town, helped to pilot the scheme with the support of the Wiltshire Constabulary over the Christmas and New Year period.

The pub, which has often been held partly responsible by nearby residents for late-night noise, now plans the lollipop project to continue throughout 2003.

Tavern manager John Stewart said: "At first we didn't think the police were being serious when they suggested something as simple as a lollipop would help to reduce the nuisance caused by noise - even the customers had trouble getting used to the idea of being handed free sweets after a night on the town.

"But the idea has really taken off and now people of all ages are queuing up at the end of the evening to take a treat.

Mr Stewart added: "We no longer have to stand outside for ages trying to move them on - they simply take their sweets and then disappear with a big grin.

"It's quite funny seeing the biggest, noisiest men silently heading home sucking on a lollipop."