A PUB’S karaoke nights look set to finally be banned following complaints from neighbours.

The row over the noise from the Moorgate Arms, in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, has been dragging on since 2005, and licensing bosses have imposed a string of restrictions.

But it faces a complete ban on live music when Blackburn with Darwen’s licensing committee meets on March 12.

The company that holds the licence said that it had recently replaced the licensee, who had “paid the ultimate price” for the complaints.

The council took the pub to court in March 2008, and following a licensing review in August, conditions were imposed on the Moorgate Arms, including the fitting of noise limiting equipment and sound-proofing of the walls.

But council bosses say that they have witnessed “unacceptable noise levels” since then.

In October an officer, standing in the living room of a neighbour’s house, said that he heard renditions of Can’t Help Falling in Love and Dream Lover by a man in his 50s or 60s, according to a report which is to be presented to councillors discussing the matter.

The environmental health office, John Wood, has written to the Lancaster-based Mitchell’s Hotels and Bars, which holds the licence, confirming a second review.

But Mark Wolstenscroft, regional sales manager, has submitted a letter to the committee, in which he has asked for the premises review to be cancelled, following the change of licen see.

He said: “We are now in discussions to try and avoid the review.

“He has paid the ultimate price, and that’s about all I can say at the moment.”

Asked whether the karaoke nights would continue, he added: “We are still intending to keep all our options open as far as entertainment is concerned.”