LOCAL residents spoke today of their concerns about noise if the dance event goes ahead.

Some householders in Forge Close, a new cul-de-sac development off Jockey Lane which backs on to the Huntington Stadium, feared their children would not be able to get to sleep.

Susan Ross-Williams and Mark Johnson told the Evening Press they were objecting to the plans. "I hope it isn't going to go ahead," said Susan, who was worried that her three-year-old daughter Rebecca's sleep would be affected. "I think midnight is too late," said Mark.

Dawn Read had similar concerns for her children Aaron and Brogan. "They're not going to be able to get to sleep."

But another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm not bothered about it." And Jill Watt said: "I don't really mind."

Meanwhile, the event has won the backing of at least one former raver, Greg Halfpenny, of Hampden Street, Bishophill.

He said: "It is about time there was something like this in York. The city has been happily in the Dark Ages for years.

"I hope it goes off successfully and peacefully so there will be more nights like it in the future."

Updated: 14:04 Thursday, October 03, 2002