A DECISION on a primary school's controversial application for a public entertainment licence is expected next week after months of wrangling.

The bid for the licence by Peter Griffin, headteacher of Northallerton's Sacred Heart Roman Catholic school, prompted protests from residents, fearing late-night noise.

The school's application for the licence, to be effective from 9pm until midnight, Monday to Saturday, will go before Hambleton District Council's licensing sub-committee on Tuesday.

Several people have expressed concerns to the council about the potential disruption to their lives.

A resident of nearby Willow Road, John Bull, said: "The granting of a licence would presumably mean that the school could be let to anyone for dancing, discos and pop groups, with the probability of liquor licences being granted.

"Not only would we be subjected to noise from events themselves, but also to the shouting and goodbyes, together with the slamming of car doors, loud in-car radios and the revving-up and racing out of cars from the car park."

Mr Griffin said there were no plans to transform the school into a community centre, and insisted that loud events would not be held on a regular basis.

He said there would be occasional evening events, such as concerts, or religious events.

Hambleton council's chief executive, Peter Simpson, said: "It is accepted that a public entertainment licence could potentially increase noise levels and cause disturbance.

"It is for these reasons that the council's regulations, which are applicable to licences granted by it, contain a condition that so far as it is reasonably practicable, all entertainment shall be of such a nature that no undue noise or disturbance is caused to persons in neighbouring premises, and the licensee shall use his or her best endeavours to ensure that the public, on leaving the place of entertainment, disperse in a quiet and orderly manner."

Councillors will meet to discuss the issue at the Civic Centre, Northallerton