With fears rising of widespread thieving and criminal damage, many many local pubs and shops are already closing, as police resources will be stretched for the Reading Music Festival the same weekend.

Police and safety officials have already discussed the notorious event, but are powerless to prevent it, as it’s on private land belonging to evangelical farmer Nigel Butler.

At the last event two years ago, many travellers congregated at the Northcroft outdoor pool, there were rumours of shoplifting, and the Dolphin pub was vandalised after a showdown between locals and gypsies.

Newbury Town Council is being briefed on plans at a town hall meeting on Monday night.