MODEL aircraft enthusiasts have been banned from Trawden after Pendle Council won a long-running battle for a new by-law.

The council had fought to ban the model aircrafters from using Trawden Recreation Ground but had been blocked by the Government.

Residents complained to the council that the power-driven planes caused a nuisance, were a safety risk and prevented other people from fully enjoying the area.

The council made the by-law on February 15, 2001, but the Home Office received 36 objections from members of the clubs which use the ground following an advertisement in the local press, including Colne Model Aircraft Club, Burnley and Pendle Aero Modellers and the Forest Flying Club.

They argued that there would be no provision for a pastime recognised by the Sports Council, that the activity was not dangerous, that flying does not cause a statutory noise nuisance, that there had been few complaints about the flyers' activities and that prohibition would stop many elderly people enjoying their hobby.

But the Colne and District Committee asked the Home Office to confirm the by-law at its meeting in May 2001.

Howard Culshaw, of the council's legal department, said today: "The by-law has been a long time coming. The council first tried to ban this activity in 1975 and again in 1995 but was blocked by the Government. Our most recent attempt got 117 letters of support and only four against.

"Residents have been concerned about safety, noise and general nuisance which they believe this activity poses at times when lots of people, including children, want to use the recreation grounds."

The by-law, permitted by the Government's Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, comes into effect on Friday, March 29.

Mr Culshaw added: "I will be writing to representatives of the main model aircraft groups using the ground to inform them that they will no longer be able to fly their models on this ground from March 29."

He said the offence carried a maximum penalty of £500 and physical removal from the recreation grounds by a police officer or council officer.

He added: "It is not often that councils introduce by-laws. It has to be for a problem that is particular to an area and one that is existing, which in this case it most certainly is."