AN established Bromsgrove family butchers shop could face court action because of a noisy refrigerator.

Environmental health chiefs at Bromsgrove District Council are considering launching legal proceedings following complaints about a chiller stored at the rear of C E Partridge and Son Ltd, in Stourbridge Road.

The Advertiser/Messenger has learned complaints have been made by residents who claim the unit creates noise pollution.

Shop boss David Partridge was told by the council to take action and he had the chiller boxed off.

However, the district council received further complaints and a possible prosecution will be discussed behind closed doors at the authority's cabinet meeting tonight (Wednesday).

Mr Partridge, aged 49, was unaware the issue was on tonight's agenda.

He said: "We've had the unit for 19 years and previous residents did not complain.

"I think the neighbours who complained are vegetarians and they just don't like living by us.

"These premises were built in 1920 by my grandfather, Frederick Massey Partridge - before any of the homes were constructed.

"We have to have refrigerators to meet health and safety standards and this particular unit must go outside because it needs cool air."

The district council's environmental health chief, David Williams, said the authority cannot comment on confidential matters that could result in legal proceedings.