THE council is investigating the use of land in Higher Walton owned by a parish councillor over claims of motorbike 'noise nuisance' from residents.

Farmer Richard Bennett, who owns land on Hollyhedge Lane, gave permission for motorbike and quad bike owners to drive on his land but claims he only allowed this for 14 days - the period of time in a year farmers can use their land for other purposes.

Residents have raised the matter with Cllr Paul Kennedy (CON - Hatton, Stretton and Walton) and the council insists necessary action will be taken against the Walton parish councillor if a breach of planning is found to have occurred.

"The council is aware of residents’ concerns regarding the use of this land and is currently investigating whether the bikes are causing a noise nuisance," said a council spokesman.

"We will continue to work with all parties to reduce the impact on local residents and enforcement action will be considered and appropriate action taken if necessary."

But Mr Bennett, who rents out part of his land for the use of Creamfields festival, has declared he has no further plans to let others use the land for such purposes and said part of the problem has been out of his hands.

"It was just a temporary thing but it is done and dusted now - I was allowed to do it for 14 days so was within planning laws," he added.

"I have no plans to carry on using that field for that anymore but my aim has not been to wind up residents - people must understand the way the farming jobs is as it is on its knees and we have to look how we can survive.

"The people on the field are not always the people I give permission to, some of them just turn up.

"Also, people are vetted before they go onto the field and some of them are refused."

Cllr Kennedy admits the issue is of a serious nature but is hoping a quick resolution can be found to suit residents.

"Residents have been on to me and I take it very seriously and have got the planning and environmental health departments of the council involved," he said.

"We are working to stop the problem."

Walton Parish Council chairman Malcolm Eldridge is also believed to be in discussions with Mr Bennett on the matter.