A RESIDENTS' Association feels its voice has not been heard after plans for a major festival at Victoria Park were approved.

As reported in the Warrington Guardian, the Courteeners and Noel Gallagher will be headlining the Neighbourhood Weekender in front of crowds of around 25,000 in Latchford on May 26 and 27 next year.

Plans for SJM's two-day outdoor festival, without camping, were approved by Warrington Borough Council's licensing committee on August 15.

But the event split opinion in the town prompting 80 objections and hundreds of signatures on two petitions.

Ken Wormald is chairman of the Victoria Park Residents' Association.

The New Road resident thinks the festival's name is an 'insult' considering the outcry from some of those who neighbour the site.

The 65-year-old said: "If the number of objections and genuine worries had ever really been taken into account then the festival is anything but 'Neighbourhood' since many people in the surrounding area do not want the event at all.

"Many in the community do not want the disruption to their lives.

"The meeting was short on democracy when one considers 80 letters to Warrington Borough Council against the licence application with only 15 in favour."

Concerns at the licensing hearing included noise, anti-social behaviour and crime, traffic and parking, littering and home security.

Mr Wormald added: "There was much reasoned argument against the licence application. Victoria Park is not the ideal space to hold a music festival, it is too small and bounded by residential areas close by."

But Lee Harman, of Knutsford Road, said: "I've recently moved into the Latchford area so while I can't speak for everyone, it is great to see all eyes on Victoria Park and Warrington for a very special event on the calendar.

"The park has had investment over recent years to build a top class stadium complex for rugby and athletics, as well as the skate park. As I see it, the more the space can be used, the better.

"I remember as a youngster being driven past the park while Radiohead played and it was great they came to our little part of the world. This festival will inspire the next generation of Warrington musicians."

SJM, the organisers of Neighbourhood Weekender, will be holding a residents' consultation meeting in early spring 2018.

A spokesman said: "This will be a chance for residents to field any questions and address any concerns for the festival and will be great opportunity to ask the specialists involved in the running of the event.

"More information and the venue and date will be announced soon. Residents will receive notification by letter in January 2018."