LOCAL wildlife rescues are planning to object to the finishing times of a music festival set to take place in Barrow Park.

The two-day Coast Roads festival is planned for July 27 and 28 however Cumbria Animal and Hen Rescue, Bardsea Bird Sanctuary and Rachel's Wildlife have raised several concerns.

They centre around the wildlife which they say will be disrupted by the noise levels and have concerns about the security needed to prevent further disturbance from festival goers.

A festival spokesman said 'the proposed licensed area is limited to a small section of the park and that 'the park, its residents and the wildlife held within, is of highest importance to us'.

The spokesman said no amplified music will play past approximately 10:30pm each night.

READ MORE: Bardsea bird rescue speaks out after another seagull shot in Ulverston

Eddy White, of Cumbria Animal and Hen Rescue, said: "We have no issue, nor do the other rescues, about this event taking place however we do strongly object to the timings of the event.

"It originally stated that the event would run until midnight on Saturday and 11pm on Sunday.

"We feel this is too much for the current animals situated in Barrow Park such as geese, ducks, bats, hedgehogs, egrets and owls - there is a long list.

"We don't wish to be killjoys and request that the event be cancelled, but changed to 5pm.

"This would allow time for the animals to recover from the noise and other distractions i.e. large numbers of people."

Founder of Rachel's Wildlife Rachel Wilson has also expressed these concerns to The Mail.

A council meeting will take place on June 21 where concerns from all parties can be raised.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "The Council has received an application regarding the Coast Roads Festival in Barrow. It is currently reviewing the documents submitted and a decision will be made once those reviews are complete."

A spokesperson for Coast Roads Festival said: "Our processes have been reviewed by the Safety Advisory Group. A group of key officials from Fire, Police, Health and Safety, Ambulance, Noise and Planning.  There has been no objection from any of those areas. 

"Our approach covering all key areas of Public nuisance, Noise control, litter,  safety of both children and anyone who walks through the festival gate is of the highest possible standard and we have a strong team of security, stewards and festival management staff who are well versed in every responsibility and expectation placed on us to ensure safety and security, for not just festival goers, but people who live close by. 

"The concern raised about local wildlife has been discussed thoroughly within our group and we would point to our other local festivals held in Aldingham and Dalton both held deep within our beautiful local countryside.

"No animals or wildlife were disturbed at those events and the grounds left as we found them. The noise restrictions placed on us are national guidelines which consider potential disruption to wildlife. Our Noise levels will be carefully monitored to keep within those guide levels. 

"The lake and surrounding area will be completely off limits to festival goers. The park day to day operation will remain untouched and the public can enjoy the park as they do any other weekend. The times for the licence will be strictly adhered to and no amplified music will play past approximately 10:30pm each night.

"In reality the proposed licensed area is limited to a small section of the park. The park, its residents and the wildlife held within, is of highest importance to us. And our conduct will reflect that in staging the festival."