Published: August 25, 2012
Villagers left angry over late night noise at Berrow music festival

Organisers of a four-day music and sports festival taking place in Berrow this weekend have promised to reduce sound levels after complaints from angry villagers over late night noise.

Hundreds of people are attending the 'Skullduggery By The Sea' family festival in fields off Berrow's Red Road.

But Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham Police received complaints on Friday from several residents and holidaymakers regarding late night noise and the council served the organisers with a Statutory Notice prohibiting them from causing a noise nuisance.

Organised by a group called Easton Cowboys & Cowgirls, the event features live music and a programme of sports. The festival began on Thursday and runs until Monday.

Sedgemoor District Council Corporate Relations Manager Claire Faun confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com on Friday: "There is an event taking place in Berrow that has generated a number of complaints of noise from music, obstruction of the roads and unauthorised camping."

"The event is a weekend tournament for football, cricket and netball on the Parish Council Playing Fields. There is camping in nearby fields and a marquee for drinks and entertainment."

She added: "A Temporary Event Notice was served in March to cover the alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment elements of the event. The camping is permitted and no approval or licence is required. The sporting events do not require a licence."

"Following receipt of the complaints, we visited the site and spoke to the organisers. The organisers have given assurances that they will patrol the area and reduce sound levels when and if necessary, re-arrange the running order of the bands to have the noisier ones on first, adjust the sound levels to go quieter as the evening progresses, aiming to be inaudible off site by 11pm."

The council has served the organisers with a Statutory Notice prohibiting them from causing a noise nuisance.

Inspector Roger Tolley from Burnham Police added: "We are aware of an event happening this weekend that has occurred over many years in Berrow."

"The difference this year is that there is live music. As a result of us being made aware of the problems caused last night by members of the community, police officers and the licensing officer from Sedgemoor District Council visited the site in order to discuss the noise that occurred."

"The organisers are aware of their obligations to those people living and holidaying nearby and have been advised regarding the need to reduce the disruption and distress they may have caused. Officers will attend the event over the weekend in order to ensure that unnecessary disruption is not caused."