NOISE levels from the first Neighbourhood Weekender event fared more favourably than the ‘absolutely appalling’ noise at Creamfields, according to councillors.

The review into the two-day event at Victoria Park in May came before the licensing committee at the Town Hall on Tuesday.

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The council’s report into the music festival – which saw around 25,000 people attend each day to see a variety of bands – said it was a 'significant' success.

As well as generating £2.5 million for Warrington's economy, the review says the profile of the borough from a 'cultural perspective' was 'significantly raised'.

However, 18 recommendations have been drawn up ahead of next year's scheduled event.

They have been backed by the licensing committee.

The recommendations include a review of controlled parking zone arrangements, a review of the delivery of parking permits, to improve car park signage, to consider additional taxi drop-off points near the site, extra security and a review of the provision of toilet facilities.

During Tuesday's meeting, the committee also raised concerns over noise at Creamfields.

Cllr Les Morgan (LAB – Latchford West) said: "It was anticipated that with an event, certainly of this magnitude, there will be problems and issues.

"As it is going to be repeated, hopefully, we can learn and take up and address those issues.

"As one of the councillors for the ward it is in, I found some of the comments from my residents to be quite good.

"People that actually live on Knutsford Road were complimenting it and saying the noise levels were far less than they expected.

"I think, for the first time, it was managed quite well.

"It is going to be far easier for us to address issues on this festival than to keep control on Creamfields because, as I think we are all aware, the licensing of Creamfields is outside of our remit."

Cllr Brian Axcell (LD – Appleton) added: "I certainly concur with the observation that the noise at Creamfields was absolutely appalling, so I am glad to hear this wasn't as bad.

"I do note, though, that many of the issues raised by residents are the same raised by residents close to the Creamfields site – something seems to have come with it."

David Boyer, assistant director of transport and environment, said 'simple learning' will 'really improve' the festival next year.

He added: "I think it was a very successful event.

"I was in event control for a lot of it and watching the crowd come out at the end, I think that is probably where we need just to pick up the learning because there were, unfortunately, some urination problems.

"I think with what we understand now, we can be a bit more savvy with where we place the toilets."