PUB bosses are planning to change a 'horrible mish-mash' of promotional signs on a listed building after residents complained to the council.

Owners of the Langroyd Hall, Langroyd Road, Colne, applied for planning permission to place several advertising signs at prominent places on the property, but put them up before councillors approved the proposals.

Those living near the pub immediately complained to Pendle Council about the large sign at the gateway to the grounds, a large illuminated name sign on the side of the Grade II listed building and smaller signs around the car park.

Pub landlord Keith Slater said chain owner Mitchells and Butlers were anxious to do all they could to keep their neighbours happy.

"This is a community and family pub and we do not want to upset those who live near us. I can understand that people who live next to us don't want to look out of their window and see a permanent advert for Christmas."

He added: "The architects are looking at relocating the signs and one has already been removed. It is a beautiful building and we want everybody to be able to enjoy it."

Neighbour Geoff Wilkinson called the large sign at the entrance to the pub a "heinous purple plastic obscenity," and asked Pendle Council's Colne and District to force the pub to take them down.

Speaking at a planning meeting, Coun Howard Thomas added: "The whole lot is horrible and it's a total mish-mash. If there's one thing guaranteed to upset people who deal with planning applications, it's to do the thing before you have got permission so they've upset people before they've started.

"We should give them a large crack round the ear, refuse permission and force them to take them down at the earliest opportunity."

But planning manager Neil Watson advised the committee to allow a two-week negotiation period with the owners before enforcement action was taken to remove them.