ORGANISERS of a city centre festival say they will work with neighbours to overcome concerns raised over the event.

This weekend North Parade Street Festival will see the road closed to traffic for two days of music, food and drinks.

But on Thursday Bradford Council will hold a licensing review of the event, after two businesses on the street raised concerns about previous festivals.

Threads, a clothing store, and Greys Nursing are both located on the street, and sent complaints to Bradford Council over the festival. They claim staff and customers have been "intimidated" by revellers.

Under current rules, members of the public can call a review over a licensed premise or event. Bosses at Threads called this latest review, and it will be heard by the Bradford District Licensing Panel on Thursday, where members will decide whether to alter the annual licence.

North Parade 'absolutely buzzing' for fourth annual Street Party

In recent years North Parade has become one of the main evening destinations in the city centre, with numerous independent bars setting up and revitalising nightlife in the "top of town." This will be the sixth year North Parade Festival has been held on the street, and it will see music acts performing on an outdoor stage on the Saturday, with the streets numerous bars hosting concerts on the Sunday.

Writing to the Council to call for a review, Shahid Ali from Threads said: "The location of the party is directly outside our store causing a great deal of public nuisance. The loud music, drunken behaviour of a large amount of individuals, the subsequent bad behaviour and litter as a result of the party are all reasons for a licensing review. The level of disorder causes not only damage to our trade but more importantly is an intimidating environment for both our staff and customers. As a childrenswear retailer we have children who are intimidated by the loud noise and behaviour of partygoers."

Stephanie Walker, director of Grey's Nursing, wrote in support of Threads, saying: "Last year during the 'street party' on North Parade we had a large number of staff who were unable to drop their timesheets off due to the crowds of 'party goers' who were drunk and intimidating them. The street party is mainly to increase the licensed businesses profits, and all it does for the rest of the businesses on the street is cause worry and disruption."

Gail Simpkins, who organises the event, said the event was a great way of showcasing local businesses and local talent, and was not just an excuse for binge drinking.

She said: "This is the sixth year of the party and we've not had any incidents at any of the events we've had before. We work really hard to make sure we provide the best, safest event for the public and everyone involved.

"We've always been respectful of other businesses in the local area, and always ask them to come to us with their concerns."

"It is a great showcase for local music. The bars involved are also selling food, it is not designed to be just binge drinking.

"We always put notices saying we won't accept people bringing bottles or crates of drink."

She said she had spoken to Greys about their concerns and was attempting to speak to Threads, adding: "We're willing to speak to anyone on the street to make sure noone feels uncomfortable."

The licensing committee meets in City Hall at 10am. 

A Council spokesman said the licence review will not impact the event this year. They added: "Any decision taken by the Licensing Panel on Thursday does not have effect until the end of the statutory 21 day appeal period."