Stand-up comic Mark Rough has been wearing his serious hat in the wake of complaints from residents about his comedy club.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported how some residents found the monthly Fnrr Fnrr Comedy Club distinctly unamusing.

They had complained it was too noisy and added to Saltaire's parking problems, particularly in Back Maddocks Street.

But Mr Rough - who lives in the village and launched the club at Fanny's Ale and Cider House, Saltaire Road, in March - has now turned down the noise and surveyed his punters.

He said: "At the last comedy night we kept noise to a minimum and used half the power we'd normally use. We also carried out a traffic survey, asking people if they'd come on foot, in a car or by public transport.

"We had about 130 people there and about half responded to the survey. Of them, 97 per cent said they came on foot or by public transport. The others came by car - most used the free public car park but one said he wasn't aware it was there.

"We made people aware that there is a free public car park nearby and when they were leaving asked them to respect that it is a residential area and to keep noise to a minimum and they responded very well."

Mr Rough, who has said he is willing to meet with residents to discuss any problems, added: "What we've tried to do is make everyone who comes to the comedy club aware that parking and noise are issues in Saltaire. People said it was too noisy and we've accepted that and done something about it.

"It obviously has caused some friction and as the person responsible for it I wanted to put it right. We live in the community too and would rather work with people than against them."

Keith Hutton, who lives in Maddocks Street, said he was glad of the efforts by Mr Rough, adding: "I can live with the pub and provided there is adequately parking I don't mind how many people they have there."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.