FUN DOESN`T HAVE TO BE AT A PRICE

Friday, May 9, 2008

George Chastney’s picture shows a busy riverbank during festival weekend last summer.

LETTERS
From George Chastney, 16 Nodes Road, Cowes:
I REALLY must take Alex Dyke to task for so robustly (CP Weekender, 02-05-08) backing apparent moves by the IW Council to stop so-called freeloaders occupying the west bank of the River Medina, at Dodnor, during the IW Festival weekend.
The people I saw there last year, when I briefly stopped to take a few photographs, were remarkably well behaved.
Unfortunately, there are always a few thoughtless litterbugs when people congregate in large numbers at public open spaces such as this. But surely any move to block off the entire area during the festival should be viewed as wielding the proverbial sled-gehammer?
If the council is that concerned about a handful of unsocial slobs perhaps they should charge a fee, to pay for judicious policing, litter bins, temporary toilets and a subsequent clean-up.
In any case, I thought this festival was often a sell-out. It certainly was on the day of the photograph, when the Rolling Stones topped the bill.
So, sitting on the grass on the opposite side of the river may be the best consolation for those disappointed not to get a ticket.
My personal preference is to remain at home throughout the festival weekend, with the windows firmly shut.
I do not, however, begrudge people who really enjoy having a free spot much nearer the melodic action, whether it be on the river bank or aboard one of the many moored boats.
And neither should the council nor Alex, who must have benefited from a fair number of freebies himself over the years.

Footnote: A statement issued by the IW Council said the decision to restrict access to the west bank had been made for health and safety reasons because of the increasingly large number of people using it.
“Not only does this create traffic problems in the Riverway Industrial Estate, there are also health and safety concerns because the crowds gathering on the bank cause problems by lighting fires and leaving large amounts of litter.
“Furthermore, the area is not designed — and neither does it have the necessary amenities to cater for — large gatherings of people. This, of course, raises further health and safety concerns.
“The decision to close the area for the festival period is supported by the council’s emergency services partners.
“People will, however, be able to walk along the western bank of the Medina by following the Cowes to Newport cycleway.”

FUN DOESN`T HAVE TO BE AT A PRICE

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