Yahoo News Festival-goers 'urinating, shouting, and damaging property' in Stockport village
Festival-goers are causing havoc in a Stockport village by urinating in the street, shouting, and damaging property, a former councillor has claimed.
Neighbours living around Whitebottom Farm in Compstall have complained that the farm brings 'thousands of people' to the village with its events, who are causing problems in the area.
It hosts a number of festivals and other events each year, including Moovin - a music festival with new and established artists which is next due to take place in August.
Residents in Compstall spoke to the MEN in January, after a retrospective planning application from the farm to use its barns and hardstanding area for festivals, weddings and parties, was given the green light by the council.
One said at the time that events at the farm create 'a backlog of traffic', and that it's 'not in keeping with the area.'
They said it is particularly the case on Montagu Street, which is the main route to and from the farm through Etherow Country Park.
But now former Marple North councillor Becky Senior - who stepped down from the role at this year's local elections - has applied for a review of the farm's licence for festivals and events, on the grounds of public safety and preventing public nuisance.
The farm's licence permits the use of alcohol sales from Monday to Sunday between 12.00 and 2am, and live music during various times between Monday to Sunday, the latest being Friday and Saturday when it is permitted until 2am.
The application to review the licence will be discussed on Wednesday at a council licensing meeting.
Ms Senior's application stated: 'There is persistent noise and persistent anti-social behaviour along the access to and from the festivals.
'This includes littering in the park - management has improved over recent years but there is still litter and debris in the park following events - especially in the woodland adjoining the river which is also unsafe if judgement is impaired in any way.'
'Issues of disturbance along Montagu Street in particular - including traffic noise, traffic volume impacting on the ability to leave home, damage to property (hanging baskets etc), disturbance from shouting and doorbell ringing as well as public urination incidents.
'These again are low level at any one event but represent a weekly hazard for residents through the summer months.'
It also claimed that residents have had issues with 'inconsiderate parking', and that events at the farm last summer caused 'losses to wildfowl nesting along the ponds which caused distress to many local residents.'
Whitebottom Farm has questioned the claims, arguing that there's a lack of evidence and reliance on 'rumour and conjecture' behind the accusations.
Karen Dyson, from Safe Star Solutions, will represent the farm at the licensing meeting on Wednesday.
She said: "The events significantly contribute to the area by providing a place for the community to come together to enjoy different genres of music, as well as boosting employment and supporting local businesses.
"There has only been one report to the police of public urination in 11 years of operation.
"She has mentioned damage to hanging baskets, this matter was raised in 2017, it is not new evidence and does not demonstrate an ongoing problem.
"The farm actively take measures to reduce footfall and traffic on Montagu Street through their traffic management plan.
"Customers leaving the festivals are directed away from Montagu Street, and we work with Stockport licensing to send letters out to local taxi firms advising them of the official drop off and pick up points which are away from residential areas.
"Whitebottom Farm are committed to responsible operation. We take proactive measures to mitigate community disturbance, including deploying security in Compstall village and implementing a traffic management plan.
"Noise levels are controlled according to stringent standards, which exceed national guidelines."
Karl Hancock, the owner of Whitebottom Farm, told the MEN in January that the business is family run, and that he has tried to engage with the community about any issues, but not everyone has been willing to listen.
Other villagers told the MEN that they enjoy the festivals and that locals help out during events.
