THEATRE, small pop concerts and summer fetes could all be on the bill at a selection of York parks if city councillors give the go-ahead to a new scheme.

Clifton Backies, Glen Gardens and Rowntree Park are among eight venues that could play host to a range of community events aiming to maker the city more eventful.

City leisure chiefs are to be told about a scheme to encourage residents to use the city's parks by improving access and the range of events available to them, in a project linked to York's Without Walls strategy.

That project proposes making York a "City of Festivals" - working to develop opportunities and activities for residents and visitors to "experience York as a vibrant and eventful city".

A number of restrictions have been placed on how events would be held, in a bid to reassure residents living near participating parks.

But one residents' association has objected to the new scheme, claiming the activity programme would be "detrimental to the amenity of neighbouring residents".

A "protocol" for the events is aimed at ensuring that all finish half-an-hour prior to the park closing, or dusk falling, and at making sure that activities do not harm areas. They would also limit the number of music events that use amplifiers.

City of York Council officers said it would communicate with neighbours by placing events information and contact telephone numbers on community notice boards, in libraries and ward newsletters.

Consultation with residents' groups revealed concerns over the length of events and sound levels, but Rawcliffe Parish Council objected most strongly to the scheme.

It said the presence of nearby sewage works would be detrimental to the health of those who attended and would not endear York to those people.

The parish council also expressed fears about the security of the area at the end of an event, saying it would be left "wide open to travellers who have invaded the site in the past".

The protocol, if approved, would apply to parks and areas at Bachelor Hill, Clifton Backies, Hob Moor, Glen Gardens, Hull Road Park, Rawcliffe Country Park, Rowntree Park and West Bank Park.

It will be discussed by city councillors next Monday.

Updated: 11:05 Monday, May 09, 2005