Protesters march on Seymour house

Neighbours handed over a petition opposing the licence

About 40 neighbours marched on ex-Bond girl Jane Seymour's country house to express their anger at parties held by people renting out the building.

Residents have complained that gatherings at the Grade-I listed St Catherine's Court, near Bath, have caused noise and traffic problems.

One said it was the large size of the parties that was causing the problem.

Hein van Vorstenbosch, who manages the estate, said: "We are trying to make every effort to be good neighbours."

He even offered the angry residents - who handed over a petition opposing the licence - tea and coffee.

A spokesman for the group said: "Small events are OK. Our concerns are over the large events and the narrowness of these country lanes.

The last large event held at the court was to celebrate Jane's mother's birthday, three years ago Hein van Vorstenbosche

"If it does develop into major events, we will all suffer."

Claudia Legge, 18, who grew up in the hamlet, added: "I think Jane Seymour and her family have been very arrogant.

"We all spend a lot more time around here and many of us have lived here since birth. What right have they got to ruin it all for us?"

Some residents are taking legal action to try to get the venue's 24-hour alcohol and entertainment licence overturned, with a court case scheduled for November.

Mr van Vorstenbosch added: "When we go to court, maybe there will be future restrictions on the licence. I guess we will let the court decide.

"We do have a 24-hour licence but this simply allows us to serve drinks at breakfast, wine with meals, a beer at 3am when an American game is on satellite, or musical entertainment whenever our guests require it.

"The last large event held at the court was to celebrate Jane's mother's birthday, three years ago."

Ms Seymour bought the mansion in 1984 after shooting the television film Jamaica Inn.

Ms Seymour and her husband live there for three months of the year and rent out the property for private functions.