PUBS applying for extra opening hours are usually enough to send residents running to the town hall to object.

The Foresters Arms in Castle Road, Colchester, expected a backlash when it asked for a seven-days-a-week music licence.

But more than 100 residents have signed a petition supporting the plans and only two have complained.

However, Colchester Council has refused the application.

Landlady Barbara Kingston says she needs to offer more entertainment to survive and fears she will be forced to close if her appeal bid fails.

Mrs Kingston said: “When we don’t have music on, our takings are through the floor.

“If we don’t get the licence it will be devastating.

“We can’t afford to run the business without it.”

The pub pays £250 a week in business rates on top of rent and council tax.

It is applying for a seven-day music licence that will allow performances until 11.30pm in the week and until 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

If granted, it would also allow music until 11pm on Sundays and permit people to congregate in the outside area after 11pm.

Mrs Kingston said the objectors mistakingly believe she will be holding events every night.

She said: “We don’t allow drums. We are very quiet and we won’t be doing anything we don’t already do.”

At the moment the pub is licensed to host 12 musical events a year.

Jimmy Kingston, who bought the pub for mum Barbara in April last year, said: “By saying you can’t have music there is not preventing Metallica tribute bands but a 64-year-old guy on a banjo who loves playing. For too long people have been able to move next to a community pub and get it shut down with complaints when they don’t even use it.

“The alternative is a boarded up pub.”

Neighbours have spoken in support of the business.

Anne Gill, 78, of Castle Road, Colchester, said: “I think it is a wonderful idea. The pub was empty for some time and I would hate to see it close.

“I don’t hear a thing from there. I hope no one is causing a fuss.”

Another residents, who asked not to be named, said: “I live two gardens away and don’t hear anything. People hear music from town and wrongly attribute it to the Foresters.”