West Mid Showground bosses, who have applied for a new licence which could see events held until 4am on the site, have called a neighbourhood meeting today.

But today is also the deadline for objections to be submitted to the council’s licensing department.

Councillors and residents are seething at the timing of the meeting, with many concerned about the extension of hours which they say would mean the showground could be open for alcohol consumption for up to 24 hours on New Year’s Eve.

Councillor Max Winchester said: “I have some concerns. It’s a really late licence. The submission for objections is the same date as the meeting so residents feel like they are being messed around because they get to air their concerns but it’s too late to object.”

But commercial director Gary Tudor said: “The licence application has been subject to two notifications in the newsletter and has made front page headlines. I think there’s been more than enough consultation and judging by the number of objections, plenty of people have had their say.

“Tonight is a general residents’ meeting and we hold them quarterly.”

Nearby Berwick Road resident Richard Sawtell said: “I do not object to people using the showground but it’s the late night parties. I’m very concerned because we live downwind from the ground.”

Mike Hughes, whose parents live in Berwick Road, said: “The application is quite onerous in its scope. We do not see anything wrong with the current arrangement for the licence.”

Carol Foster, SABC licensing manager, said about 20 objections had been received so far.