Petition launched after Accrington Stanley loses functions licence over noise complaints

A petition has been launched after Accrington Stanley loses their functions licence over noise complaints made by local residents.

On March 6th, 2025, Hyndburn Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee modified the premises license for the League Two club’s hospitality suite, known as The Venue (which includes Coley’s Bar and the 1968 Lounge), following complaints from residents about noise from live and amplified music.

As a result, the club has closed these facilities for events like birthdays, weddings, and parties for the foreseeable future, except on matchdays until 7:30 PM.

The club stated this decision was not taken lightly and is exploring solutions like soundproofing to address the issue while maintaining its community role.

Sign the petition https://t.co/Vw9XC7UpHr

— Nigel Packer (@PackerNige35831) March 13, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

Dear Supporters and Members of the General Public,

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I write to you with a heavy heart to share some important news regarding our beloved Accrington Stanley Football Club, specifically concerning our Venue, including Coley’s bar and the 1968 Lounge.

Recently, Accrington Stanley attended a hearing at the Hyndburn Borough Council offices following a complaint from several residents of Livingstone Road and Whalley Road, Accrington. The complaint centred around the issue of public nuisance caused by live, amplified, and recorded music emanating from our Venue, which has been a cause of disturbance to our neighbours. The residents have raised concerns that the area surrounding Accrington Stanley is residential and, as such, they should not be subjected to music in their properties and gardens, where they expect to hear birdsong instead.

The outcome of this hearing has led to a significant decision that affects us all. Regrettably, our Football Club has lost the right to stage functions, where live and amplified music will be played. This encompasses a wide range of celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, and more. Given the impact of this decision, it is with a great deal of sadness that we have made the difficult decision to close the Venue for the foreseeable future, except on matchdays, where an allowance has been made until 7.30pm.

This decision has not been taken lightly. We understand the cherished memories and joy that these events have brought to many of you over the last couple of years. The Venue has been a vibrant part of our community, bringing us together to celebrate life’s milestones and special occasions. However, we must respect the ruling of the Hyndburn Borough Council Officers and the concerns of our neighbours. The impact of this decision will be devastating for many customers, supporters, and businesses that have booked events that will now unfortunately now need to be cancelled.

We are committed to being good neighbours and community members, and we will continue to explore ways in which we can support our community within the constraints we now face. We are also looking into how we can adapt and find alternative solutions to continue bringing our community together, albeit in different ways.

In the meantime, we ask for your understanding and support, as we navigate through this challenging period. Accrington Stanley has always been more than just a Football Club; we are a family, and like all families, we will work through this together.

We will keep you updated on any developments and new initiatives we undertake to ensure our Football Club remains a vibrant and integral part of our community.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

PETITION:

As a longtime member of the Accrington community, I have personally witnessed the great importance of Accrington Stanley Football Club’s bars in our local economy. They not only provide jobs to locals but also inject much-needed income to our struggling town. Additionally, the bars also serve as a communal gathering place, fostering a sense of community amongst us.

Recently, noise complaints directed at the bars have threatened their operation. While maintaining a peaceful and hospitable town is essential, it is equally critical that these complaints are appropriately verified for genuineness. It is important to ensure that the bars, which are pillars of our town’s economy and community, are not unduly affected based on possibly unsubstantiated claims.

Hence, we are calling for the local authorities to permit an unbiased third party to investigate these noise complaints. We do this to ensure fairness and to protect the community interests that these bars represent.

The closure of these bars without proper evidence of disruption could lead to significant detriment, economic and social, to Accrington. Let Accrington Stanley Football Club bars continue business as usual, preserving the benefits they bring to our community. Please sign this petition to demonstrate our united stand in favour of due process and our shared local community.

People can be so selfish!

I hope the missing revenue doesn’t cause a big enough hole in club finances that it spells disaster

Wishing you all the best going forward!https://t.co/4MWr18hk7O

— Hoppers Guide  (@HoppersGuide) March 14, 2025

Twitter users reacted as a petition is launched after Accrington Stanley loses its functions licence over noise complaints…

@johnrobinson07: @HyndburnCouncil what a joke of a decision and also the neighbours should be ashamed of themselves.

@james_cufc2000: 😅 Tell the residents to fuck off its a stadium. Of course there’s going to music and loud noises ffs 😅

@AccyForza: Im all for making the complainants lives a misery. When do we ride

@andrew_Ish_: What an absolute pathetic decision from the council. I remember years ago the moaners whinging about the drum on night games etc. If you dont want a bit of noise dont move next to a football ground, stanley have always has functions even in old clubhouse, this isnt a new thing

@CBellMedia: Hugely disappointed to hear this. Coley’s is a fantastic venue, well worth visiting when attending as an away supporter. Whilst it’s good that it continues to open on a matchday, it’s a huge shame for the club and Stanley supporters that the ability to use it as a revenue stream for the club outside of a matchday has been lost, especially during these increasingly difficult times for football clubs to raise much needed funds. The refurbishment is superb, and it’s a huge waste of such a good facility that it’s not able to hose live events.

@MShacks: @HyndburnCouncil haven’t been fit for purpose for years….. yet they turn up at Stanley when’s there a photo opportunity ✊🏼💦

@cian_paris: The ground has probably been there longer than the majority of the residents. It’s a residents decision to live by a football ground so what do they expect

@coachkirkham: A suggestion would be to buy a struggling social club in Accrington and run it as a stand alone facility. The zoning would be already in place, and if in the town center would be more visible. Not the same, but if financially viable would enhance the bottom line of the club.

@Simdru: Build a new purpose-built ground next to Stanley Hub on Thorneyholme Rd funded by selling the current ground to housing developers. A new housing estate being constructed right on the doorstep of the NIMBYS will give them something to properly moan about.

@HotTakesOnly90: No offense to the people of Accrington, but the crown ground is the only thing the entire town has going for it these days. If you’re upset about the bit of music you need to get a grip. You bought a house beside a football stadium. You knew what you were getting

@CalWAFC19: “let me buy a house next to a stadium and complain”

@YashrazLee: That’s the output of a corrupt council right there … not only will this decision have a seriously financial impact on the football club …. But also the community hub!!! @HyndburnCouncil ought to be ashamed of themselves for this ridiculous decision!

@andyh2602: Would love to know how long the complaining residents have lived by the ground? Another own goal by @HyndburnCouncil !! 🤯

@itbadger: Let’s blast out The Birdy Song on match days just before closing. Give them what they asked for.

@buzzisbackCUFC: Christ, I thought Stanley were a big part of the local community down there? Horrible.

@craig156: Such a poor decision! I travel the UK with my job, and when asked, I always proudly say I’m from Accrington, 99% of the time, “Stanley?” Is the reply. When will the council start to realise this keeps the area current and is a huge asset rather than always working against it?

@DaveJBailey13: How disappointed this is to read I feel sorry for all involved at one of my old clubs who have taken the club to another level across all areas

@1882UTC: Surely if you buy a house near a football stadium then you have to expect noise & a lot of traffic. 🤦🤣

@PaulOrmerod5: Get something good in the community that people enjoy and that brings revenue to the club and the town and the voice of a few have gone and fucked it all up…sad day