ANGRY Foulridge residents have hit out at plans for a late-night “bistro” next to the canal.

An application has been submitted to Pendle Council to sell alcohol until 2am every day of the week at Cafe Cargo, on Foulridge Wharf, Colne.

Bosses also want to play music, show films and host plays at the restored warehouse, which was built in 1815 to serve the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

But dozens of letters opposing the plans have been sent to the town hall’s licensing committee which meets on Thursday to vote on the application.

They raise concerns about the possibility of loud music disturbing residents in the surrounding area.

One writes: “You will be aware noise travels very well in a valley, especially when ‘bouncing off water’ and this is just the scenario at this location.”

Parking fears at the wharf site and along Warehouse Lane have also been raised, with people worried about an increase in the number of taxis dropping revellers off.

Another Foulridge resident said canal boats would be put off mooring at the wharf by the “late-night drinking and dancing”, adding: “Excessive alcohol and water do not mix. It would be a disaster waiting to happen if the licence was granted.”

In the application, developer Thomas Randell said its main purpose would be to provide food and facilities to conferences and functions taking place in the cafe.

He said the design of the building and a late-night exit route into the car park would help reduce the public nuisance.

CCTV would be installed and a tight ID policy would operate, he said.

The building had also been sound-proofed and windows would not be open, he added.

Mr Randell hopes to operate a daytime cafe and a “bistro-style restaurant” in the evening.

The upper floor of the warehouse would accommodate 90 people and be used mostly for functions.

The downstairs cafe would hold 95 people and there would also be an outside patio area.