MODEL aircraft enthusiasts and a local authority have called a truce in their 'dog fight' over the Ribble Valley airways.

The two sides are to meet to discuss the clash over the activities of the fliers which prompted Ribble Valley Borough Council to issue an abatement notice on the Edisford aviators.

Three members of the model aircraft flying group have lodged an appeal against the abatement notice which was made after complaints of noise nuisance by people living close to the flying ground.

Andrew Thompson, of Hagg Hall Fields, Ramsgreave, Blackburn, said the area had been used for flying model planes for many years.

He said: "The problem is that permission has been given for several barn conversions and the like. The houses have got closer to us rather than the other way round."

He said the restricted hours imposed by the council made it very difficult for him and his fellow enthusiasts to participate in their hobby.

He said: "We are very much governed by the weather conditions and if they are not right during the hours available then we just don't get to fly."

The other appellants are David Blenkinship, of Holt Brow, Leyland, and Graham John High, of Kendall Street, Clitheroe.

Speaking at Blackburn magistrates, Dianne Rice, representing the council, asked for the appeal to be adjourned until Monday, June 28, to give both sides time to talk and explore ways forward without troubling the courts.

She said a new field had been found which would effectively double the distance between the fliers and the residents.

Mrs Rice said that in the adjournment period noise level readings would be taken to assess the impact on residents.

She said it was hoped that a compromise on the hours flown from the new site could be reached without a formal hearing.