A DECISION to refuse permission for a charity concert in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and County Air Ambulance has been met with widespread outrage.

Cutnall Green Young Farmers had wanted to stage a show by well-known folk band The Wurzels, as well as a disco, for up to 1,500 people at Sparum Farm in Stanklyn Lane, Stone, tomorrow.

However, Wyre Forest District Council's licensing and environmental committee last week refused to grant an outdoor public entertainments licence, following concerns about traffic problems, noise and security.

MS sufferer David Pitt, of Stanklyn Lane, said the show was a one-off and should have gone ahead as it was vital funds were raised for research into the disease.

The 48-year-old added: "We still don't know what causes MS and until we do we cannot find a cure. Both charities do a wonderful job and I find the objections from Stanklyn Lane residents extremely selfish."

The Wurzels' oldest member Tommy Banner said it was the first time the group had been forced to cancel a gig because they could not get a licence.

He added: "It's ridiculous. We are a fun band who appeal to people of all ages and we are not particularly loud.

"We are not a rave act and are completely taken aback by the decision from a bunch of killjoys."

Meanwhile, Peter Van-Dalton, who has lived in Kidderminster for 12 years, said he was staggered at the public outrage about the decision when he visited a balloon festival in Bristol at the weekend in The Wurzels' native South West.

The Wilton Avenue resident said: "I walked about and so many people were shocked about the decision. It has also sparked a lot of publicity on the radio and in the newspapers down there."