NEIGHBOURS living near Oxford Greyhound Stadium have called for action after hundreds of partygoers sparked an early morning brawl in the street.

The city council and police last night said they were discussing an action plan after the incident at 5.30am on Sunday following a ‘Bashment’ party at the Sandy Lane venue.

Since January, it has hosted seven Bashment events – urban music similar to dancehall and reggae.

The stadium manager last night stressed her team was doing everything possible to keep the parties weapon and drug free, but could not be held responsible for what happened outside the gates.

Residents said they had complained to the city council countless times about the noise coming from the stadium both during and after the events.

They told the Oxford Mail problems had started with car horns, screaming and shouting, but had got more serious as the months went on.

A neighbour said: “On Sunday morning we were woken up at about 5.30am by what looked like a full scale riot.

“There were people in the street fighting with sticks and bricks they had got out of a skip at the end of the road.

“Several of our cars were damaged and the next morning one of my neighbours children found a knife in the garden. A lot of people feel it won’t be long before we open our doors in the morning and find someone has been stabbed.”

Police confirmed officers attended the incident on Sunday and said they had received three reports about damage. Nobody was arrested.

Last night stadium manager Maureen Ridley said none of the 10 security staff had seen any trouble.

Mrs Ridley said the parties were a good source of income for the venue at a difficult time.

She said: “We check people for any illegal drink and drugs before they come in. We also have a special wand which checks people for weapons. Once we are happy no-one is carrying anything we give them a wristband which allows them entry. We tell people over the public address system to be quiet and respect the neighbours when they leave.

“If people are keeping weapons in their car and getting them when they are off our premises there is really nothing I can do.”

Ms Ridley added: “If it would make people happier we’re considering changing the exit people use when leaving, to minimise disruption.”

Oxford City Council said that, since the parties started at the beginning of the year, it had been forced to take action twice because of loud music and noise from people leaving the stadium.

A council spokesman said: “Because of the nature of the most recent incident, the licensing authority is currently liaising with police to ensure a joint enforcement approach.

“Action will include discussions with the licence holder to ensure measures are put in place to alleviate the concerns to residents, ourselves and the enforcement agencies.”

The Oxford Mail has not yet been able to speak to the organisers.