A decision has been reached on how the Harbour Nights event will be policed after a week of controversy ? but Mayor of Hamilton Jay Bluck has declined to say what this is.

Mr. Bluck declared that a move by the Police to charge the organisers if they want full time policing inside the Front Street tourist event was ?outrageous? and ?unacceptable? at the weekend.

Deputy Police Commissioner Roseanda Young had previously told that Harbour Nights would be policed as usual by passing patrols to ensure safety when it kicks off tomorrow. However, she said, the Chamber would have to foot the bill if it wanted full-time patrols ? bringing it in line with Police policy for other large events.

Having spoken out on the issue as part of his election campaign last week, Mr. Bluck met with Police Commissioner George Jackson and Diane Gordon ? executive vice-president of event organiser the Chamber of Commerce ? yesterday to discuss the matter.

He said afterwards: ?It was a very productive meeting. We have come to a conclusion as to how it (Harbour Nights) will be policed. Everyone?s very happy. We are working out the details. It?s going to happen.?

Asked who would be paying for patrols, he said: ?That?s not really decided yet, but we are sure that we will be fully covered.?

A Police spokesman said last night that Mr. Jackson had nothing to add to these remarks. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Gordon were not available for comment.