BOSSES at Accrington Stanley have pledged to improve relations with local residents as they bid for a place in the Football League.

People living in neighbouring Livingstone Road accused the club of "making their lives a misery" last month by hosting Henry Hill's Northwest Fun Fair, just metres away from their homes.

Now, after the creation of a residents liaison group, it is hoped the current tensions will be put in the past, particularly as promotion would see an increase in crowds at the Interlink Express Stadium.

Local councillor Malcolm Pritchard said: "That fair soured relations, which were very good previously.

"Most people living in Livingstone Road accept that they live near a football ground and that there will be some disturbance on match days but they want assurances that there will be no repeat of what happened with the fair."

He said that the liaison group was even more necessary because of the success that the club is experiencing. Stanley are top of the Conference with a historic promotion back to the Football League on the cards.

That will mean more fans at matches and more cars and coaches in the area.

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe added: "As they get bigger and better, the problems are bound to increase.

"They have realised that they need to improve communication with the people who live on the club's doorstep.

"The creation of this group is a major step forward and I'm very pleased to see it happen."

Rob Heys, Accrington Stanley's chief executive (pictured), said: "We never want to upset any of the local residents.

"In the past there has been a breakdown in communication and it is something that we are keen to improve.

"We are all decent people at the club and the people on Livingstone Road are decent people too.

"It is important to have a dialogue with our neighbours and let them know that if they have any problems we are here to listen to them."

The first meeting is expected to take place at the club within the next two weeks.