AN ASSURANCE has been given that the granting of entertainment licences for four Poole beaches will not result in lots of new and disruptive events.

Applications by the Borough of Poole's leisure services for premises licences covering beach areas at Branksome Dene Chine, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs Chine and Flaghead Chine all received objections from unhappy residents.

Music, dance, entertainment including plays and films, sporting events, late night refreshments but not the sale of alcohol are covered by the licences, which were approved by the council's licensing sub-committee.

Typical of letters were comments from Professor Brian Mullin of Branksome Towers who described the all-embracing provisions as "outrageous".

"Unwarranted noise pollution can deprive our family of their right to sleep. It is a form of torture," he said.

"It has also been demonstrated that effective control is impossible. The immediate location is a residential area and should be treated as you would treat your own residential area," he said.

Clive Smith, head of leisure services said: "The premises licences on all four beach areas are identical to those licences that exist at Shore Road and Sandbanks beach areas.

"The licences allow regulated entertainment in these areas under the 2003 licensing act. This includes the playing of recorded or live music, films and performance/dance.

"These licences do not allow the supply or sale of alcohol."

He said they were geared to support one of the council's key objectives of promoting healthy lifestyles, allowing events such as sponsored walks and sporting events to take place.

"All events require permission from leisure services and we work with event organisers to manage and control events in accordance with the community events management policy," he said.

"The existing controls will still apply so the new licences will not result in lots of new and disruptive events," he said.