On Tuesday 2 April 2014, Dave’s Discount (Stores) Ltd in Lichfield pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an abatement notice at Stafford Magistrates’ Court.

The notice was issued following a complaint about the noise made by two refrigeration units. Councillor Colin Greatorex, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community, Housing & Health, said: “Having visited the area, and heard the noise the refrigeration units made, our environmental protection officers decided it was unreasonable and was causing a nuisance.'

The company was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120. The council was awarded costs of £1,080.