WORRIED residents have warned that Burnley FC will score an "own goal" if music rocks into the night as part of plans to use the ground as an arts and concert centre.

People living in the shadow of the redeveloped Turf Moor fear their lives could be blighted by more noise and congestion if it is turned into a major centre for cultural and entertainment events as part of a bid to boost tourism and improve the town's image

Preliminary discussions have already been held between Burnley Council and club chiefs who are keen to look at promoting events at the ground.

But the council has denied the residents peace would be shattered. Council leader Councillor Kath Reade has pledged neighbours would be fully consulted and their views listened to before any final decision on the ambitious scheme is made.

"It's got the potential to be a very important improvement to the town," she said. "It could be good for the economy, put Burnley on the map and be an asset to the town.

"We will listen to the residents and see what their views are on what kind of events could be held."

Coun Reade said she had not heard reports that music concerts attracting up to 28,000 people could be held. "It could be opera or classical music events, art exhibitions or any one of a range of things," she explained. She said talk of pop concerts at this stage would be unhelpful and potentially damaging to the project. Elsie Needham, who lives opposite the club and who organised a petition complaining about music from the club's Centre Spot nightspot, said: "I don't mind the music and football during the day but you don't want it going on into the night. It was just thump, thump, thump from the Centre Spot, not music at all. I wouldn't mind it being a bit noisier during the day but not at night."

Trevor Preston, of Brunshaw Road, added: "I'm not very keen on the idea. I suppose it depends on what kind of events they are planning. If they go on into the night, I wouldn't be happy."

Burnley's tourism and arts project, a two-year Euro-funded project to increase visitors and boost the economy through arts events, has approached the council to get a formal go-ahead with the aim of holding the first event in summer 1998.

The idea will be discussed at the recreation and leisure committee on Tuesday.

Danielle Allen, of the project, said: "The football club is one of our most important assets.

"The versatile use of Turf Moor could attract visitors from throughout Britain and possibly abroad, boosting our tourism industry and improving the image of the town.

"It would also give local people the opportunity to attend high-profile events."

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