THE internationally-renowned Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival will definitely go ahead next year, council bosses pledged last night.

The event, held for the last 14 years, attracts 60,000-70,000 people, but has been criticised by residents and councillors who complain about noise, anti-social behaviour and litter.

Some residents fear the festival has grown too big for Colne and councillors had considered moving the show away.

But at a meeting of Colne and district committee, which agreed a review of the festival last night, councillors said the event will definitely be held next year. Councillors are now to set up a working group to review the effect of the festival on the town and to decide on its future.

Council leader Alan Davies said: "We are dealing with businesses, police and residents and trying to take an overview of so many aspects that a working group is the right way to proceed. Whatever we recommend there will be a festival next year.

"We should concentrate on how we can control it better."

Earlier this year, Pendle council was slammed by the government ombudsman which decided in favour of residents over the amount of noise coming from the festival.

It was ordered to pay more than £1,000 to resident Jan Hubbard for failing to respond to her concerns about the noise at the 2001 festival, the inconvenience she was caused by having to move out for the weekend and the expense when she paid to have the levels monitored.