COLNE and Nelson Rugby Club will hold clear-the-air talks with residents and council officials to address complaints connected to social events at its Holt House base.

Locals have complained about groups approaching the premises from the town centre drinking alcohol and causing disturbances.

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The matter was raised at Pendle Council’s Colne and District area committee last week.

Carole England, who spoke on behalf of a local homeowners, expressed concerns relating to birthday parties.

She said: “This is not a town centre club and we don’t want this kind of trouble.

“We want to work with the club, the police and the council licensing officer to stop it happening.”

County councillor Dorothy Lord said parties arranged for 16th and 18th birthdays were the problem, adding: “The town centre premises don’t touch them – they don’t work.

“The disturbances are not inside the club, they are outside and there has been a lot of police attention.”

Councillor David Clegg, who represents the Vivary Bridge ward, asked for the matter to be brought before the licensing committee.

He said: “You can see them walking up with carrier bags full of alcohol.”

David Burrows, speaking on behalf of the rugby club, said that under-age people and anyone carrying alcohol were not allowed in the club.

He said: “We have door staff on to make sure they cannot come in.”

The club have agreed to a meeting with residents before the committee meets on October 8.

Inspector Paul Goodall told the Lancashire Telegraph: “Issues at the rugby club are few and far between.

“The rhythm and blues festival was held there recently and the event passed off peacefully.

“However, if there is a particular problem we will put some visibility on the route from the town centre.”