LEISURE chiefs have been given a rap on the knuckles for applying to hold a major music event only days before it is due to take place.

Sound Track 2001, to be held all day at Shildon Stadium on Sunday, July 14, has received massive pre-publicity from Sedgefield Borough Council's leisure services department.

But the application for a public entertainment licence only came before the council yesterday.

Angry residents from houses near the event attending the licensing committee meeting to strongly object to the proposal.

They raised several concerns, including potential noise nuisance, car parking and traffic problems, crowd control and general anti-social behaviour.

Bernd Bangel, who made the application, gave assurances that the event would be very tightly controlled.

The committee granted the application, on condition the noise limit is not exceeded and the music stops at 10pm