PLANS to relax licensing rules are commendable in their intention, but the practicalities are set to raise questions... and potentially blood pressures.

Freeing up our village halls and community centres from red tape, especially in these times of financial struggle, is a great idea.

And we have reported far too many pub closures in recent years, so any move that could help landlords boost trade is also to be welcomed.

But the present licensing system, however flawed, is there for a reason. Residents must be able to raise concerns and have them debated before events are staged.

This is particularly pertinent in a densely populated city like Oxford, where weekend noise complaints have been rising for the last four years.

The new system, proposed by the Government, would only allow complaints after the event and would give sleep-deprived residents the added headache of compiling evidence.

All this at a time when councils face cutbacks and are reducing environmental health services.

There is a huge difference between carols in the village hall attended by 100 and a rock concert attracting 4,000.

The Government should refine its ideas to ensure residents’ voices are not drowned out.