A LANDLORD who accused some regulars of stabbing him in the back after they objected to his entertainment plans has offered an olive branch - a free pint!

John Bromage, of the White Bull, Oswaldtwistle, offered to bury the hatchet after hearing that his New Lane pub will be able to hold live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"I just want them to know there is no ill will. I want us all to be friends again," he added.

Hyndburn Council received eight letters objecting to John's initial application for entertainment until midnight Monday to Friday and until 10.30pm on Sunday.

They complained that the licence would mean loud music, late night drunks, loss of parking and damage to their cars.

But he was granted the reduced application after presenting a petition with 100 supporters.

John took over the White Bull in December after the foot-and-mouth outbreak forced him to give up his former pub in Cumbria.

He said he was hurt by the objections but he now just wanted them to know he would like to be friends.

"I couldn't believe what they did, I told them all about it and they all said I would lose their trade, but a few days later they were in again when we had the entertainment on. When I found out about their letters, I was really upset.

"I think they were scared of me turning the pub into one of the rowdier ones down in the town centre and having dance music every night, but it's just not that sort of pub.

"They've been in the pub since the ruling and I've served them, but I want to let them know there are no hard feelings on my part. I also want to thank the people who supported me. They were a big help through this difficult time."

One resident who wrote to the council said: "The White Bull has always been a quite country-style local pub with no noise or rowdy behaviour which you would get if this application was granted."

Another said: "We feel that it will attract a lot of young people to the White Bull which we have in the past experienced to have caused trouble and damage to property and cars. There is the fear that our cars parked on the road side will be damaged."

But Mr Bromage had said that Immanuel Church had allowed his customers to use the car park over the road from the pub while it was open.