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FESTIVAL DOUBT REMAINS IN POLICING WRANGLE

By Ross Findon - Wednesday, March 26, 2008
THE FUTURE of the Isle of Wight Festival remains in doubt with police and organisers failing to reach agreement over costs ahead of yesterday’s (Wednesday) crucial council licensing hearing.
IW councillors agreed to adjourn the hearing until April 23 after the police and festival promoters Solo vowed to continue negotiations over the cost of policing the event.
The hearing was told police had this year asked organisers for between £250,000 and £300,000 towards the cost of policing the event. Last year the cost to Solo was £120,000.
Representing Solo, David Clifton said they were provided a breakdown of police costs on March 14 and there had been insufficient time to consider that breakdown ahead of tonight’s hearing.
Under licensing laws the council must be assured adequate policing would be provided before it can give the event the go-ahead.
This year Solo has applied for a three-year licence for the festival, to be headlined in June by the Sex Pistols, Kaiser Chiefs and The Police.
The promoters have asked for permission for an extra 10,000 people to be allowed on the site, raising the capacity to 69,999.
Organiser John Giddings, who was unable to attend tonight’s hearing for personal reasons, has said previously, however, the number of tickets on sale would remain 55,000 and the extra capacity was for additional staff and acts.
“I have been told by Solo they have every wish to continue and conclude these negotiations because unless that happens the IW Festival is at risk,” said Mr Clifton, who added he thought an agreement could be reached.
“We do not want to be in this position and I sincerely believe the police do not want to be either,” said Mr Clifton.
Inspector Terry Clawson told the hearing that on two occasions when speaking to Solo about the cost of policing, the applicants “would not budge on their stance”.
He agreed, however, to continue negotiations ahead of the April 23 hearing.