PLANS to stage a major pop concert in a rural community collapsed this week ­ and residents have vowed to fight any future attempts to stage it on their doorstep.

As reported exclusively in The Chronicle last month, promoter Frontline Events was hoping to attract 25,000 young people to a Chestermania 01 gig in a field off Plough Lane, Christleton.

Acts being lined up for the September 29 concert, which would have been the biggest ever held in the Chester area, included top bands like A1, B*Witched and The Honeyz.

But on Wednesday London-based Frontline announced that an investor had just pulled out of the venture, leaving it 'no alternative' but to cancel.

In a statement, it said: 'The company strongly believes that had this unfortunate situation not occurred, the event would have undoubtedly been a major success, putting Chester firmly on the map as the host of a major music and entertainment event.'

The announcement that Chestermania was off was greeted with relief by Christleton residents worried about the traffic and safety impact.

Leo Carroll, of Plough Lane, one of a large group of householders fighting the plans, said residents were 'very happy' the concert had been scrapped.

And he pledged they would renew their opposition if Frontline, which had earlier looked at the Roodee as a possible venue, tried in future to use the Christleton site.

'We are concerned that Frontline could be back next year doing the same thing. We would certainly be objecting again, but because of the site, not the concert.'

Mr Carroll added that opponents of Chestermania were not unsympathetic to the idea of a big pop concert at the right venue.

'We all have families, children and grandchildren who would be shouting to go along to an event like this,' he said.

Relief at the scrapping of the concert was also expressed by Chester city councillor John Boughton (Con, Christleton), who insisted the site was 'unsafe and unsatisfactory'.

'The only access would have been through narrow country lanes, with no footpaths and no lights. This was always a highways and road safety issue.'

He added: 'This will give them the opportunity to plan a long way ahead if they wish to return to Chester. They can go to a much more suitable site, such as the Roodee.'

At a public meeting in Christleton last month, Cllr Brian Bailey (Con, Christleton) also expressed opposition to the concert taking place in the area.

'If they cannot satisfy the criteria for the Roodee, how do they expect to do it in a field in Christleton?' he asked.

Documents submitted by Frontline had called for a one-way road system to and from the venue, with parking for 8,666 cars. Park & Ride facilities were also planned.

Backers pull out

THE full statement issued by Frontline on Wednesday said: 'On September 23 Chester was to play host to a major music event featuring some of the country's top pop acts.

'Due to essential funds being withdrawn by one of its investors within the last 48 hours, the promoters (Frontline Events Limited) had no alternative but to cancel this year's event.

'The company strongly believes that had this unfortunate situation not occurred, the event would have undoubtedly been a major success putting Chester firmly on the map as the host of a major music and entertainment event.

'Frontline Events Limited would like to extend its thanks to all those who pledged their support to the event and apologise to all the many people who were looking forward to attending Chestermania 01.'

The statement made no mention of any tickets having been sold already or arrangements for refunds. No-one was answering calls at the Frontline office in London on Wednesday.

Rumours abound

RUMOURS began circulating early this week that Chestermania was likely to collapse, although confirmation was not received until Wednesday.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of about 30 Christleton residents at the Cheshire View Masonic Lodge on Tuesday. It followed an earlier meeting, held at Christleton High School shortly after the plans were unveiled, attended by 220 local people.

On Wednesday morning Chester City Council licensing officer Peter Willett said he was aware of doubts about the project but was awaiting confirmation from Frontline.

It came later that day with an e-mail to Mr Willett from Frontline's operations manager, Ben Manning, withdrawing the application for an entertainments licence.

Mr Willett said 'quite a number' of letters of objection had been sent opposing the concert, an all-day event with a possible firework display as a finale, with a smaller amount indicating support.