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Elderly DJ banned from playing Vera Lynn songs to neighbours because of 'excessive' noise

Tommy Coombes is known as a part-time DJ in Bletchingdon  - SWNS
Tommy Coombes is known as a part-time DJ in Bletchingdon - SWNS

An elderly DJ has been banned from playing Vera Lynn songs to his neighbours after the NHS clap for carers following complaints about "excessive" noise.

Tommy Coombes, 76, has placed speakers and a CD player outside his home in Bletchingdon, Oxon., to play music on Thursdays following the nationwide applause to NHS and care workers.

But he has now been forced to stop following a letter from Cherwell District Council which warned him he faced a fine or possible prosecution if he continues.

The letter said a complaint had been made of music being played from the pensioner's home "at excessive levels".

Mr Coombes, who works as a porter at the University of Oxford, claimed villagers danced in the streets as he played records by Elvis Presley and Vera Lynn, with the vast majority in favour of his DJing.

He said he had only received one complaint about noise from a mother who said she was trying to put her children to sleep, adding he stopped immediately on that occasion.

He said: "I couldn't believe it - there are 1,200 people and 1,100 of them support me.

"At eight o'clock I get everyone's attention and say 'three minutes of clapping', then we'll have three cheers for the NHS, then I'll play a few tunes until nine o'clock.

"The whole village joins in with it - people are dancing in the streets."

Mr Coombes, who is known as a part-time DJ around his village, said he had planned to play a set tonight for the final time but decided not to take the risk of incurring further action.

The 76-year-old received the council's letter on Tuesday.

It said: "I write to advise you that a complaint has been received about noise nuisance from your address due to music being played at excessive levels on Thursday evenings."

The officer stressed that no investigation had actually been carried out, but he said that if the council received any more complaints it would investigate.

It added that "should a nuisance be found to be occurring" then the council could serve an "abatement notice", a fine or even pursue a prosecution.

It finished: "I hope that this letter will resolve matters."

After Mr Coombe's daughter Sara put the news on Facebook, he was inundated with messages of support, including online and even cards through his door.

Annemarie Plas, the woman who started the NHS clap, said this week she wanted tonight's to be the last because she feared it was becoming politicised.