HOUSING bosses have pulled the plug on pensioners throwing parties at a sheltered complex in Galashiels.

And they are refusing to budge on demands for dancing in the day-room to return.

The communal-room clampdown was imposed almost 18 months ago after a noise complaint from one of the 40 residents at Hazeldean during a birthday party.

Police were also called to one of the early-evening knees-ups.

And Scottish Borders Council's environmental health officers were also brought in to monitor volume levels.

But fed-up residents are now calling for owners Scottish Borders Housing Association to allow music to return to the Windyknowe Road flatted complex.

A resident, who we agreed not to name, told us: "We have used the communal room for parties and entertainment for many years - these events are always ended by 9pm and are a great joy for everyone who comes.

"Following the complaint last year SBHA have banned any amplified music in the communal-room.

"You have to remember most of the residents are fairly old and have trouble with hearing, so if the music isn't amplified a lot of us won't be able to hear it."

Following last year's noise complaint, housing officers held a series of meetings with residents.

And they imposed an immediate ban on all amplified entertainment.

A spokeswoman for SBHA explained: "SBHA recognises the significant social, emotional and psychological benefits music can bring which is why when we were approached by a resident last year advising that they were being disturbed by the loud music from some events - evidenced by Environmental Health readings to be above acceptable noise levels - we met with all tenants on a number of occasions to find and agree an amicable solution, achieving a balance between the rights of all tenants to live in their homes in a quiet and peaceful manner while enabling them the continued use and enjoyment of the day-room.

"Since then we have continued to regularly meet with tenants at Hazeldean and have received no further complaint in relation to this.”

But the bored pensioners are fighting for their right to party and have launched a Facebook campaign as well as a petition.

Local councillor Sandy Aitchison has been presented with the signatures of more than 30 residents to deliver to SBHA's offices in Selkirk.

And the social media campaign - Lets get Hazeldean back to having their Entertainment Evenings - has attracted more than 100 Likes from sympathetic supporters.

SBHA had yet to receive the petition when we spoke with them this week, but they are refusing to budge on their anti-amp policy.

The spokeswoman added: "Although SBHA has not, at this time, received a petition relating to this issue, we wish to clarify that we will continue to support Hazeldean tenants to enjoy social events and we are not in any way prohibiting the playing of music or the running of any other social activity from the day-room.

"Where a tenant wishes to host an event which has amplified music we have offered to support them to find a more appropriate alternative venue to prevent disturbance to tenants.

"In the next week we will meet with Hazeldean tenants to clarify any misunderstandings on this."