After a number of complaints the matter is going to a licensing hearing on Friday to review the pub's hours
16:22, 15 Jan 2026
A pub landlord is in a battle with his neighbours over noise complaints which will go to a council licensing committee hearing on Friday. Ross Perkins, landlord at Clwb Ruperra in Trethomas, Caerphilly borough, has asked locals to sign his petition after a neighbour's complaint to the council about noise coming from the pub late at night was followed by a number of other letters from some neighbours and their relatives.
According to public documents on the council's website there have been a number of complaints about the pub at Navigation Street including over noise from patrons, noise from an extractor fan, and alleged anti-social behaviour, but Mr Perkins insists the pub is a well respected institution at the heart of the community which is relied upon by many.
The case will be heard at a licensing meeting on Friday where it is proposed Clwb Ruperra's opening hours could be cut because of the noise issues. The pub, which is operating on an old licence, can currently open between the hours of 9am and 1am but this could be cut to 11.30pm with last orders at 11pm.
A council spokesperson said no decision will be made on Friday and all parties will receive the written outcome within a week. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter
The modest pub sits on a quiet residential street between two bungalows and joint-owner Mr Perkins says it has been beset by issues for years. He took the pub over in 2024 and claims since then it's in the best state it's ever been in, although council documents allege management at the pub have lost "control".
When we visited the area on Thursday the neighbour who made the initial complaint, and set up an audio recording system in their back garden to relay information to the local authority, didn't want to speak. But public documents show some neighbours say there are serious problems at the pub, yet hundreds are supportive of the pub and have signed the pub's petition.
"If you want a quiet life don't live next to a pub," Mr Perkins told WalesOnline. He said the pub would face significant financial challenges should opening hours be cut and he believes there is a "vendetta" among some neighbours against the pub. Some neighbours claim the pub has been dogged by noise issues and anti-social behaviour.
Neighbour Barbara Parnell said: "On numerous occasions there have been disturbances involving patrons outside the pub including shouting, arguing and fighting in the street late at night. These incidents create an intimidating and unpleasant environment for local residents and visitors.
"I regularly walk down Navigation Street past this area when returning home late in the evening and the behaviour I have witnessed has made me feel uncomfortable and at times unsafe. There have been instances of repeated noise late at night, well beyond what would be reasonably expected in a residential area."
Elizabeth Aldworth said: "Over the years we have lived near to this social club there have been disturbances when previous licence holders have been in charge. We do feel that this year's recorded evidence where council officers have been actively involved has shown a need for a firmer control by the present licence holders."
Cathryn Rees added: "A lot of the residents are elderly and some neighbours have young families. Due to my parents' age and disability I am very concerned for them as well as other residents in the vicinity."
Mr Perkins said: "None of these people have ever voiced any concerns about us before since we've been here. One of the statements even mentions they didn't notice we were open until 1am which surely speaks volumes. Another claims people are taking drugs and underage drinking here and that is simply not happening."
Mr Perkins, who said he has invested tens of thousands of pounds in the premises, said if his hours were to be cut it would have a serious impact on the pub which he said has been very successful in recent years and operates a "thriving" over-50s club as well as being a community base for local sports teams.
He said: "For many residents Clwb Ruperra is more than just a venue; it is a cultural landmark that contributes significantly to the local economy and social fabric. The proposed changes in licensing hours could lead to reduced footfall and potentially lead to job losses."
He added: "The reason for the licencing review is because of noise pollution mainly before 11pm and it's down to no fault of our own. We have put all the necessary rules and regulations in place as responsible licensees to reduce noise to a minimum to stop this from happening, however our smoking area shares the same boundary wall as our neighbours and this is where the issue is.
"After putting our blood, sweat, tears and all our funds into bringing this Clwb back to life for the community of all ages to enjoy we are having to fight our place." He said everything was going well for the pub but "things changed so quickly".