Settle Festival organisers have failed in their attempt to stage an event this year.

Craven District Council licensing committee members have decided to refuse a licence on the grounds of public safety, protection of children from harm, preventing crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

Following a two-day public hearing in which the panel heard from festival organiser Mark Dale, objectors and supporters, the committee decided today to reject the application after failing to be satisfied on all four concerns.

In its decision notification, the committee stated: "North Yorkshire Police and interested parties in particular had raised substantial issues and objections based on all four of the licensing objectives.

"The committee heard little from Mr Dale that would rebut those concerns. The committee decided that it was not workable to address what was a substantial number of concerns with conditions and, therefore, determined that it was necessary to reject the application."

Mr Dale said he was deeply disappointed' with the result and felt particularly upset for all the hard work people had put in.

He has the right to appeal against the decision in a magistrates' court.

"At the moment we don't know whether we will be appealing or not. I will have to speak to advisors before deciding anything," he said.

See next Friday's Craven Herald for full story and reactions.