SPA residents and a pub landlord showed that community spirit is alive and well after working together to resolve a dispute about a late night license application.

The Westcroft Arms, in Ombersley Street West, was granted a license to stay open until 1am every night by Wychavon District Council.

The council took into consideration the number of objections, but chose to grant the application - which also allows the pub to play recorded music until 1am and live music until 12.30pm.

None of the objectors went to the planning meeting to put their views across. The new regulations will come into place on Thursday, November 24.

However, it has since come to light that local residents and the landlord met to discuss the issue before the council meeting in the hope of resolving the problem themselves.

The Central Ward Action Group, which covers Ombersley Street West and other surrounding roads, attended a meeting organised by the applicant, Mr Taylor, before he went to an action group meeting to further explain his plans.

Following the two meetings, the residents' action group members agreed to withdraw their objections and so didn't attend the meeting.

Resident Eamon O'Brian said: "Since that time, the initiatives that we have agreed together in order to improve the relationship between the pub and the local community have all been acted on to the satisfaction of both sides. Residents agreed that objections should be withdrawn as Mr Taylor was clearly acting in good faith."