CONCERT-GOERS angry about their treatment at Signal Radio's "shambolic" Trentham Gardens gig are taking legal action to get refunds on their tickets.

Debbie and Iain Amos, who paid £150 for six tickets to the station's 25th birthday event in September, have filed a claim at the small claims court to reclaim their money.

The couple, of Woodrow Way, Chesterton, say the event they had been eagerly anticipating descended into a nightmare.

Debbie, a 45-year-old bank adviser, and 37-year-old Iain, a self-employed civil engineer, spent weeks planning a picnic for the outdoor gig with 12 friends.

They queued from 1pm on the day so that when the gates opened at 5.15pm they could grab a prime position to watch top '80s acts Ali Campbell, of UB40, Go West and The Human League.

But it was 7pm before the crowds were herded into a waiting area, and after 8pm before the group finally got into the field – where the gig had already started and it was too dark to set up their picnic.

Debbie, who had been ill that day with anaemia, says by that time she just wanted to go home. She said her demand for a refund at the time did not elicit a satisfactory response. She added: "It was a farce. We love the groups and had brought a trolley with lots of food and wine. It was a lovely day and we were in good spirits all afternoon in the queue.

"We didn't know what was happening when we weren't let in on time and were herded into a waiting area. By this time people were pushing and shoving.

"We were all agitated and frustrated. There were no toilet facilities and people were going in bushes.

"When we were eventually allowed into the field at about 8pm it was mayhem and I was in a real state. I couldn't breathe.

"People were getting nasty. We were trying to put up our picnic table but people kept knocking it over and threatening us."

At the time, The Sentinel was inundated with people complaining about the gig.

Now the couple have paid £30 to file their claim, and are urging others to do so. Iain said: "If everyone takes the station to the small claims court it will cost them more in legal fees than it would to give us our money back."

The station said delays were due to technical problems. Station manager Lisa Hughes said: "We have consulted solicitors, who have advised us we are in a strong legal position. This is the first I've heard about a claim in the small claims court."