Organisers of the annual event had been warned that it may not be able to go ahead this year unless South Ribble Council approved a licence for Hurst Grange Park.

The application had divided the community.

Groups which regularly use the park, including the town council and Friends of Hurst Grange Park, supported the application but many people living in the streets around it were unimpressed.

Now the site has been licensed for entertainment from 10am until 10pm.

Some claimed it would allow the Green Flag park to be used for events all year round.

Peter Walmsley, whose home in Aspels Crescent is just yards away from the park, said: "This will undoubtedly cause problems for local people.

"The streets are filled with cars on gala day and this could happen all year round. Litter and debris will be left behind as well as causing a noise nuisance. And it won't be just one day a year."

But the council has ordered that anyone wanting to hold an event on the park must give notice in writing and obtain permission first.

Mick Cronin, of the town council, said: "We're absolutely delighted that the gala can go ahead.

"We will do everything to make sure the people living around the site are not inconvenienced.

"Some of the residents were concerned the application would set a precedent but it won't."

He added that the licence would secure the long-term future of the gala and allow preparations for next year's event to begin.

The gala now will take place at the park on June 14 and 15.