MORE than 60 letters of objection and a petition signed by 38 people helped persuade planners to throw out a bid to convert a shop in Fisherton Street, Salis-bury, into a pub and dance hall.

Brewers Eldridge Pope sought permission to change the use of the Salisbury Bedding and Furniture Shop to a pub with a restaurant and dance floor.

Objectors said the idea would not only lose Fisherton Street a shop but would create noise, disturbance and litter.

Members of the district council's city committee refused planning permission on the grounds that the pub, restaurant and dance floor are close to residential development and the noise and general disturbance would have an adverse impact on the amenities in the area.