New steps have been taken in efforts to tackle problems in Whalley around late-night noise, litter, disturbance, anti-social behaviour and alleged crime.

One venue has agreed to new controls of music volume, after receiving a noise abatement notice, designed to protect nearby residents from sleepless nights.

Separately Ribble Valley councillors have approved a formal consultation to begin the next phase towards the likely renewal of special licensing rules for Whalley next year.

It is called the Whalley Cumulative Impact Assessment and has to be renewed every few years.

Whalley developments were raised at the borough's latest licensing committee meeting. Concerns and opinions about its bar and club scene, especially at weekends, have been raised at various licensing meetings over recent years.

The Aviary venue at Queen Street, located near terraced homes, was mentioned in one council update report.

It stated: “The premises have recently been the subject of service of a noise abatement notice. This notice was appealed to the magistrates’ court and resolved by agreement.

"The notice was withdrawn and the licence holder, by agreement, applied for a minor variation.

"This added a new condition which replicates the requirements of the noise abatement notice. This addresses the problems from the licensable activities at the premises.”

The words ‘licensable activities’ cover activities the council can decide on, such as alcohol sales times, venue opening hours, DJs, live music and dancing.

But it does not govern people’s behaviour, disturbance or anti-social behaviour elsewhere, which are generally seen as police matters.

The Aviary must ensure music volume between 9.30pm and 9am does not go above specific levels.

Noise will be measured outside 2.9m from the side wall and at the mid-point of a rear alleyway to Queen Street and Woodfield View.

The report adds: “Any breach of this condition would constitute a breach of the licence as well as giving rise to possible action under the Environmental Protection Act.”

Then meeting also discussed whether councillors wanted to press ahead with the next step towards renewing the Whalley Cumulative Impact Assessment. This will be formal consultation including the police. It follows informal consultation earlier this year.

County Cllr Ged Mirfin said: "Unsavoury or anti-social behaviour, such as drunkenness, fights, urinating in public, drug-taking, lewd behaviour and sex in public represent  147 responses in the consultation.

"The solution is for the licensing committee to write to the Lancashire Chief Constable and the Police & Crime Commissioner requesting additional policing on weekends.”

Regarding noise on streets and music from venues, he suggested council officers bring reports to meetings to discuss options and action.

Also council street sweeping and bin emptying could be targeted at Whalley.

Action could be taken on taxi firms which breach conditions, along with better ranks and marshalling to stop people hanging around.

Other councillors say most pubs and venues in Whalley were well-run and a key part of the local economy.

But some councillors suggested Ribble Valley Council had collectively failed to take the right licensing decisions in the past. And the police had a role to play too, they added.

The impact assessment places an extra burden on businesses or individuals seeking new licences, or wanting to change existing activities, to demonstrate their plans will not add to existing pressures in Whalley. 

But it cannot review existing licences agreed in the past. However, separate licensing reviews can be held to hear accusations about specific venues.