RESIDENTS are fighting a Merseyside school’s plans to hold an outdoor festival amid fears it will become a “rave site”.

Hundreds of people in Crosby have signed a petition against St Mary’s College’s bid for a council licence.

If granted, up to 5,000 people would be allowed onto the Everest Road school’s playing fields for four events a year, each allowed to last for a maximum of four days.

While the school insists the licence was applied for to allow a one-off classical prom, performed by pupils for a 1,500-strong audience, concerned neighbours fear more “excessive” events.

In a letter to Sefton Council, Mark Matthews, of Little Crosby Road, wrote: “The school has said publicly that they only plan to hold one classical music event per year.

“However, it is our general contention that the licence applied for appears to be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“It is far too loose and is unsuitable for the event which the promoter suggests they want to stage.

“We believe the intention is to stage events on a significantly larger scale than the residents have been led to believe.

“This benign first event is designed to lull the residents into a false sense of security, only to be followed up with more excessive events.”

Crosby Labour councillors Steve McGinnity and Diane Roberts submitted a petition from residents living around the school.

Cllr McGinnity said: “Speaking to the residents who will be directly affected by the licence application, you can hear just how concerned they are.

“Many are elderly and are very concerned they may have to live next to a rave site.

“The application will see the land being used for loud music from 11am until 11pm, as well as alcohol being sold on the site.

“It horrifies residents that there could be as many as 5,000 people descending on the area for festivals which could last for up to four days at a time as many as four times a year.

“Many of the properties bordering this area are pensioners’ bungalows. They are scared sick of what the area will turn into. It is very difficult not to imagine their worst fears – drunkenness, crime, excessive noise, traffic congestion and even drug-taking.”

The school last night assured residents it will not be holding raves or rock concerts, but a one-off classical music concert.

Headteacher Michael Kennedy said the school had considered a temporary licence but it would only have allowed up to 499 people.

Instead, the school applied for a permanent licence for between 500 and 5,000 people.

Sefton Council will make its decision on Friday.