A NEW micro pub which has been proving a popular attraction in Wollaston has had to shut its beer garden due to a planning dispute.

The new Kingsbridge Bar, on the corner of King Street and Bridgnorth Road, opened its doors to punters on September 4 and has proved a bustling new venue in the village.

But just a week after opening - bosses of the new venture, which won planning approval in January 2019, announced that they had been forced to close their beer garden "until further notice due to planning issues".

A note on the bar's Facebook page said: "We are working hard, and as fast as we can to get the outside space back up and running, as we know how much it’s been enjoyed by everyone during our first week of being open."

They added that they hope to re-open the outside area "in the near future so we can all enjoy a beer or two out in the beautiful courtyard".

The inside bar remains open but planning permission for the beer garden needs to be sought from Dudley Council's planning department, the local authority confirmed.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, the council's cabinet member for public realm, said: “The beer garden did not form part of the original premises licence application and it’s use has attracted complaints from local residents to the council licensing section.

"We have spoken to the premises licence holder and they have taken the voluntary step to stop using the garden whilst the correct permission is sought.”

One commenter on Facebook said: "We live two streets away and can hear the noise from the garden when trying to relax. If they can control the noise it will be a nice addition to the area."

Many new regulars at the bar, however, have pledged their support on social media for the venue - describing it as "a lovely place".

Sally Shephard, assistant manager of the bar, said: "We've had a fair bit of local support from residents. We're just going through the planning process now and we hope to have the garden open as soon as possible."