HUNDREDS of people packed out a meeting to discuss plans for a controversial student festival in Pembrey.

Organised by community leaders and chaired by town mayor John Rees, the turnout at the Ashburnham Hotel last Thursday night gave an indication of the huge level of concern in the area.

The aim was to inform residents and gather public opinion about Beach Break Live which, if given the go-ahead by Carmarthenshire Council's licensing chiefs, will take place at the county park in June.

The meeting, which ended in an almost unanimous vote against plans, was attended by fellow town councillors as well as Llanelli MP Nia Griffith.

However, organisers, who were staying at the hotel on a separate matter, were not invited along to give their side.

Deputy mayor Stephen James told the Star: "The meeting was very well-attended with around 500 people there.

"It shows the feeling of concern about this event.

"There were a lot of excellent speakers and a vote was taken at the end, and I'd say about 98 per cent of people were against the festival coming to Pembrey.

"The small majority in favour of the event were mainly business people and a student."

The three-day music, arts and beach activities event promises an influx of up to 20,000 visitors.

Event organiser Ian Forshew claimed much of the information at the meeting was one-sided.

He said: "We were disappointed we were not able to give the facts to the residents. But we are organising an official open consultation where the local council, county council and residents will be invited to."

Organisers are now expected to apply for the appropriate licence after the county's ruling executive board agreed in principle to support the event in February.