There is mounting concern that the postponed Andrea Bocelli concert might not go ahead on July 10, after the Oxford Mail discovered promoters Vipco have withdrawn their application for a licence to stage the event.

And despite the concert being less than six weeks away, Mr Bocelli's agents say they still cannot confirm the new date.

We can also reveal that there were serious flaws in Vipco's initial application for a public entertainment licence, made by Mike Dandridge and Darren Ward in February.

The report, written by planning officers at Oxford City Council, cites "inadequate information" and "vague plans" as problems with the application.

It adds: "There is a responsibility on both the organiser and the council to ensure the event is undertaken with the minimum disturbance to residents.

"Officers have struggled to get such information to satisfy their concerns and committee are advised that at this stage further discussions are required... before planning officers will not object to the event taking place." Figures in the report show that Mr Dandridge was aiming to sell 10,000 tickets, but he has since admitted he sold about 4,700.

A council spokesman said: "We can confirm that Vipco has withdrawn its application for a public entertainment licence with a view to re-applying a complete and concise application.

"Vipco has 28 days before the concert is due to take place to submit a fresh application. The public entertainment licence would not normally be issued until a few days before the concert. Vipco still needs to liaise with the planning department with regards to the traffic management measures."

John Angus, operations director of the Kassam Stadium, said: "Vipco have confirmed to us that they still want to hold the event at the Kassam Stadium on July 10."

Barbara Vitalli, Bocelli's agent, said: "It still has to be confirmed, but we are trying to make sure it does."

Mike Dandridge and Darren Ward were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

Robin Dunkley, of Bicester, spent £100 on tickets for himself and partner Sally Wolff. After weeks of trying to contact Vipco for a refund, he has now lodged a complaint with his bank.

They were unaware a new date had been arranged, and had visited the Red Lion pub at Islip, which is run by Mr Ward, to try to get their money back.

Ms Wolff said: "I had no idea another concert had been rescheduled, which I find quite remarkable. Something odd seems to be going on.

"We just can't get hold of anyone. We don't know where we stand."