A major West Sussex music festival could be cancelled following fears of car parking chaos, noise and disorder.

Organisers of the Rox 2003 Music and Arts Festival hope up to 5,000 people will attend the two-day event, near Chichester College, which has a line up of 35 bands from Gambian music to heavy metal.

But nearby pensioners say they are horrified by the potential risk of damage and disorder.

Chichester District Council's licensing committee will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the festival to take place.

It would be staged in Westgate Fields on July 5 and 6 close to elderly residents in Tollhouse Close and at the Marriot House Rest and Nursing Home.

In previous years, large numbers attended the event at Bognor seafront and Fontwell Racecourse but organisers believe they can control fans with a 2m-high fence and security stewards.

Despite this, critics are worried about litter, noise, anti-social behaviour and an expected 2,500 cars.

In a council report, a Tollhouse Close resident wrote: "What about drugs? What about crime? Will security guards patrol the festival?

"I find the whole idea of this so-called festival right on top of my home frightening and I hope and pray that it won't happen."

Michael Farr, of Westgate, Chichester, said: "The cost to this community would be considerable, involving clearing up the inevitable mess left behind and the extra cost of policing over the 48 hours, let alone possible damage to public and private property."

But Chichester College principal Dr Richard Parker said: "We have found the Rox organisation to be highly professional in its approach.

"We are confident it would manage all aspects of health and safety, crowd control and policing so the event would be an enhancement to the cultural life of Chichester."