A ROW has broken out after a licence for a beer tent granted to a group chaired by a magistrate.

A brass band concert is to be held as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations on Monday from 1pm to 5pm in Padiham Memorial Park.

But the new Mayor of Padiham Coun Granville Lord has accused magistrate Carol Stinton, chairman of the Friends of the Memorial Park who are organising the event, of being "sneaky" and irresponsible in obtaining a licence to sell beer.

Mrs Stinton replied there was nothing 'sneaky' about the licence application and it had not even been made by her.

Coun Lord said: "Why do we need a beer tent when we've spent years stopping people drinking in the park.

"Carol Stinton is a JP and she's got a licence. It's sneaky.

"I don't mind anyone enjoying themselves but the park is for families to take their kiddies to, not boozers. Who's going to check their ages? There's no control whatsoever with this.

"We've tried for years to stop youngsters going in the park and drinking. Once they've had a drink they get silly. Plants go and we've also had streakers. I can't get my head around them having a beer tent. We're surrounded by pubs here."

But Mrs Stinton said : "The event has been organised by the Friends of the Memorial Park, of which I am chairman.

"Another of the Friends, Mrs Audrey Ashworth, made the application so we can sell beer and cider in the park.

"There were no objections to it and when we spoke to neighbours about the plans, they were in full agreement."

Mrs Stinton said she would also be helping to run the bar and children would be served with soft drinks.

"No-one under age will be served. I have spent five years on the licensing bench and am not going to allow alcohol to under 18s."

"The park rangers will also be there making sure everything is run properly."