Shrewsbury Fields Forever festival vow over noise complaints

Shropshire Council officials contacted organisers on Saturday asking for the music to be turned down after tests found sound levels had, on occasion, been exceeded.

Last weekend's event attracted thousands of fans to watch top acts including Maximo Park and Athlete with organisers revealing attendance was up by 2,500 compared to last year.

The Mayor of Shrewsbury Jon Tandy today praised the event and warned a "small minority" of complaints could ruin popular showground events such as the festival.

Event director Dene Edwards said the festival, now in its third year, was hugely important for the local economy. He also pointed out sound levels were set lower than those of Shrewsbury Folk Festival, which also uses the County Showground.

A noise abatement notice was served on Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society earlier this year. It imposed stringent conditions in an attempt to reduce the disruption to nearby residents.

Abatement

Mr Edwards said: "There is a noise abatement notice in place which we adhere to and we work closely with council officers to measure sound levels on site during the weekend as pre-arranged," he said.

"We keep an open channel of communication so we can reduce sound levels if they go above what has been agreed.

"Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival has grown into one of the most significant and important events for the town in regards to the local economy and culturally. About 75 per cent of attendees come from outside the county and we attracted an extra 2,500 people this year. We will continue to work with residents, trustees and the council on all future events."

David Morgans, from Herongate, was unhappy at the noise. "I live over a mile away and with all my double glazed windows closed, I could still hear the thump of the music inside my house," he said.

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council cabinet member responsible for public protection, said there had been a number of complaints.

"The noise levels measured did on occasion exceed the value set and our staff worked with the organiser to reduce levels," he said.

A total of 10 complaints were received on Saturday, said the council. But the mayor, who attended the event, said people in the town should be getting behind it. He said: "It was a very, very good event and everybody was enjoying themselves."