THE prospect of thousands of party-goers descending on the small village of Astley, near Stourport-on-Severn, for a rave has been averted.

Ravers edge, a Leicestershire event planning company, had originally organised the bash at Larford Quarry for Friday, June 4.

Residents had united in protest against the plans, criticising Malvern Hills District Council, which had granted the firm a temporary events notice.

The council said the terms of the notice limited the number of entrants to 499 and it had no legal grounds for refusing it.

However, people feared that thousands of people would “bombard” the village. They said a party-goers’ website, dontstayin.com, appeared to be calling on revellers from across the country to travel to Astley for the 12-hour rave.

Pauline Lowe, chairman of Astley and Dunley Parish Council, cited additional fears such as drug taking, drunkenness, noise, lack of security, access problems and mess.

Mike Lister, neighbourhood watch group co-ordinator for Astley and Dunley parish, said: “We were worried our little village would be bombarded by thousands of people.

“It is great news that it seems to be cancelled. It’s super. We just didn’t want it here. It is a totally inappropriate place to hold such an event.

“There are a quite a lot of elderly widowed people in the village who have been very concerned. You worry about them as well.”

A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: “Police have been working with partner agencies, including Malvern Hills District Council and the local community.

“Police have been in contact with the landowner and organiser and it is now understood that the event is cancelled.

“Officers will continue to monitor the situation.”

Stefen Summerfield, managing director of Ravers edge, said police had forced them to relocate the event due to fears over numbers and crowd control.

He said the company had already addressed concerns over fire safety and health and safety.

Mr Summerfield said: “We are extremely disappointed. We hoped to bring revenue and jobs to the area and something new and exciting.”

Villagers remain concerned that the company has not formally withdrawn the temporary events notice.

However, Mr Summerfield said the event had been rescheduled, for the same date, at The Custard Factory in Birmingham.