LIVE musicians will play their part in the fate of a restaurant which has been accused of being too noisy by local residents.

South Lakeland magistrates have ordered that Moes Grill, Kendal, organise for a tribute band to play at the venue so realistic noise tests can be carried out.

A dozen residents filed in to the courtroom to oppose the restaurant gaining a licence to put on live acts at the K Village location.

The business, which has a base in Northern Ireland, appealed against South Lakeland District Council’s earlier decision in September to ban performance acts there.

Company owner Jacqueline Clarke paid for independent noise tests to be carried out in order to prove the sound of music would not carry across the river and disturb nearby residents.

However, several residents said the sound tests conducted on November 16 coincided with extreme weather conditions and would not provide fair readings.

Romney Road resident Suzy Goss said: “There was a lot of noise from the river that night – it was the night of the gales.

“We want the tests done again because we’re concerned about the crime and disorder that would be caused by a late licence.

“A place that plays music until 2am is not a family restaurant.”

In court, solicitor Richard Williams said there was no requirement for Moes Grill to give a noise report but they enlisted independent expert Andrew Raymond, of Warrington, to conduct the study in order to add it to their case.

Barrister Michelle Brown claimed SLDC’s licensing committee had been “ambushed” with a last minute sound report from Moes Grill, which they had not been left with sufficient time to analyse.

Magistrates ordered the hearing to be adjourned while tests were carried out because of “the strength of local feeling”.

Their results are set to be given at Kendal Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 13.