A CONTROVERSIAL music festival can now be held at a country park near Tadcaster.

Members of Leeds City Council's licensing panel yesterday granted a provisional licence for the Leeds Festival at Bramham Park, a few miles west of Tadcaster.

The decision, which followed eight hours of talks, comes despite opposition from local residents and West Yorkshire Police.

Councillor Richard Sweeting, chairman of Selby District Council and a Tadcaster town councillor, said: "It is a difficult issue. If people respect the town and behave in a dignified manner then we have got to welcome them."

Festival organiser Mean Fiddler has yet to make a final decision on the site for the festival.

It has have also applied for a licence to host the event at Temple Newsam Park, east Leeds.

Councillors were discussing that application today.

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, May 14, 2003