N0-go for 3-day party bash

Sheffield Council's Licen sing Board is to consider an application for a temporary event notice allowing drinks to be served and entertainment to take place at The Function Suite, Spital Hill, to celebrate "Stacey's 30th birthday".

The applicant, Christopher Gordon, of Errington Road, Arbourthorne, said up to 300 people are to attend the event, from 10pm on the nights of Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September. He has asked for the party to be allowed to continue until 4.30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and 2am on the Monday morning.

But acting Sgt Craig Charlesworth, of Burngreave Safer Neighbourhood policing team, has written to Sheffield Council calling for the event to be stopped.

"If it is allowed to go ahead there are genuine fears there may be disorder and that public safety may be compromised," he warned.

In his letter to the licensing board, acting Sgt Charlesworth wrote: "The application is made in respect of a birthday event which it appears covers three days. South Yorkshire Police are sceptical that this is the case and believe it may be a cover to organise a series of club events."

Police are concerned the venue is in part of Burngreave which has a recent history of disorder and fear there may be confrontations between criminal gangs involved in the drugs scene and partygoers. Acting Sgt Charlesworth added: "There are concerns the criminal fraternity could target this event and use it for their own purpose. The lack of consideration for some type of security gives cause for concern."

Acting Sgt Charlesworth has offered to discuss the objections with Mr Gordon before the licensing board hearing, where councillors will decide whether to grant permission for the event.