FAMILIES are fighting plans to extend the opening hours at a pub.

Thwaites wants the Rishton Arms in Station Road to be allowed to stay open until 12.30am on Monday’s to Wednesday’s - an hour later than at present.

But the application has sparked objections from nearby neighbours concerned about anti-social behaviour and noise.

One objection from Graham Fletcher said: “The windows and doors are left open and the noise can be heard in your own property even with the TV on.

“As late as 1.30am-2am you can hear car and taxi doors slamming, banging on the door and people at the front of the property smoking and shouting loudly.”

Another objection from Michelle Wignall said: “Being a resident living in the immediate vicinity of this establishment, it raises great concern to hear that they are looking to extend their hours having having already experienced numerous problems in the past years.”

But Cllr Ken Moss, who represents Rishton on Hyndburn Council, backed the bid.

He said: “I’m afraid this is the first I’ve heard of any disturbance regarding The Rishton Arms.

“It is one of the best run pubs in the area and therefore I will be supporting the application.”

The application also seeks permission for live music and recorded music to be allowed seven days a week from 11am to midnight.

Andrew Buchanan, Thwaites director of pubs and brewing, said: “We have put the application in ahead of looking for a new tenant to run the pub. It has been done simply to tidy up the license and would not result in any significant changes.

“We have been surprised by the objections as nobody has previously bought any concerns to our attention.

“We want to be a good neighbour and do everything we can to ensure the pub is at the heart of the community.

"We are happy to work with residents to try and allay their concerns and will take their comments on board when we appoint a new tenant.”

Hyndburn Council’s licensing sub-committee will meet to decide the application at 2pm today (April 18).