Whalley residents have been asked for their opinion regarding the impact of licensed premises in the village.

Ribble Valley Council has launched a probe into whether residents think its cumulative impact assessment (CIA) should be extended for a second time.

CIAs are undertaken to see if the number, type or density of licensed premises are too high, or if a serious problem of nuisance and disorder is created within or in the vicinity of those premises.

The village already has 24 pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs which aid the nighttime economy, but the village has experienced issues with anti-social behaviour.

This will not impact existing licences but must consider if there are objections to future applications for new premises.

Having already had a CIA approved for Whalley and Painter Wood in 2019 and extended in 2021 the council are hoping to gauge if there is sufficient demand for a further extension.

The most recent report stated that the nighttime economy had a minor effect on anti-social behaviour.

Ribble Valley Council’s head of legal and democratic services, Mair Hill, said: “In response to concerns about the proliferation of premises selling alcohol in Whalley, the council’s licensing committee requested an investigation in 2018 into whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant a formal cumulative impact assessment.

“Whalley residents and businesses, including licensed premises, were consulted about the matter, as a result of which an assessment took place.

“As the CIA extension is due to expire next spring, we want to know whether residents and businesses would like it extended again.”

The consultation will run until Friday, September 27, and is open to all residents in the Whalley and Painter Wood ward.

Results will be reported to the Ribble Valley Borough’s Licensing Committee in October.

Hard copies of the survey are available at the Council Offices for residents to collect and return once completed.