THE LICENSEE behind a music festival that attracted numerous complaints of noise nuisance has been rapped by Pendle Council.

Adrian Lord was granted a Temporary Event Notice from Pendle Council to hold the Small Trees Festival in Trawden.

Council officers have since met Mr Lord as part of their investigation in to the festival.

Mick Armfield, the council’s licensing enforcement officer, said: “From speaking with Mr Lord it appears that he 'sub-let' the land to another 'promoter' to hold this event.

“This, in the opinion of officers, is why problems occurred over the three day period as Mr Lord had no control of the event in relation to sales of alcohol, late night refreshment and regulated entertainment.”

Around 20 complaints of excessive noise were made from residents living near to the site, which was opposite Trawden Recreation Ground, on Friday September 23.

A site visit was made by Richard Walsh, the public health manager, who said the music was 'very loud'.

In September an abatement notice was served on Mr Lord at his home address because officers were 'satisfied that a statutory nuisance was caused by the music event at Leach Field, for which Adrian Lord was responsible'.

Mr Armfield said: “Mr Lord admitted that there were three music tents in operation despite only having permission for two.

“To compound matters it has emerged that one of the tents was operating outside of the permitted hours.

"No doubt these breaches added to the noise pollution.

“Mr Lord fully realises that mistakes were made by him regarding the event which resulted in disturbance for some Pendle residents.”

A warning letter was sent to Mr Lord which could be used against him should there any similar infringements at future events where he is named as either the premises user or licence holder.

The people behind the festival have since apologised to residents for the noise nuisance and said that they will be looking for a new site for the festival next year.