Organisers of an alternative Labour conference have been told they can go ahead after all.

But they will first have to provide written assurances about security and liaising with the police.

The group, which opposes many policies being pursued by Tony Blair's Government as being too conservative, made a provisional booking for Hove Town Hall on September 24, the day Labour's real conference starts at the Brighton Centre.

But as the Argus revealed yesterday, Brighton and Hove Council suddenly cancelled the conference without explanation.

A council spokesman said there had been press reports and other information linking the event to various anti-capitalist demonstrations planned for the week of the Labour conference.

Embarrass He added: "The organisers hadn't helped on this by failing to deal with the police, so we felt the event had the potential to embarrass the council in front of a major client.

"After all, if we hire them Hove Town Hall, we share responsibility for what happens.

"The chief executive was also concerned about the safety of a major public building, and having regard to the fact that it is in a residential area."

The spokesman said in a spirit of openness organiser Chris Nineham was invited to a meeting.

He added: "As a result, the chief executive asked Chris for written assurances. These include details of security inside the building and a promise to liaise with police. If these are satisfactory, they can use the building.

"We're now hoping and expecting the chief executive's confidence won't turn out to be misplaced."

Mr Nineham said: "I'm very glad the council has reconsidered its position and look forward to a successful counter conference."