LETTERS From J. Wortham, Brighstone:
"WOWFEST collapses" proclaims the CP (08-06-12).
Heartening news indeed, but not surprising considering the basis from which the two principal promoters started.
£74,000 owing from the 2007 and 2008 events, and WOWfest Ltd itself with liabilities of £78,000.
It would be churlish to list all their failing and individuals to whom they have cause much hardship — it is well documented. It all comes down to one word — ethos, in their instance, lack of integrity. However, is it significant eight directors of WOWfest Ltd have come and gone — all resigned?
I would like to express thanks to all who have fought against the Shanklin event. Terry Nigh, Kelly Moorman and others too numerous to mention, have put in hours of painstaking research and campaigning, including Cllrs David Pugh and David Williams on behalf of not only their constituents, but the whole Island. None of us are anti-festival, as claimed by WOW.
Last but not least, I thank the police, who, under the watchful eye of Sgt Mark Voller and his team, have been quicker than almost anyone else to grasp the situation from day one.
It was all totally unnecessary, as Cllr Pugh states: "It remains our view that their event should never have been granted a licence". It has cost County Hall and members of the public hours of time and money.
Whose fault? Cllr Susan Scoccia, chair of the licensing committee, throughout the day-long proceedings, sat with a benign smile on her face, refusing to acknowledge any of the substantial evidence presented.
She was well aware of the applicants, having sat on Ventnor Town Council, when members of the public were instrumental in getting them banned from using the Winter Gardens. Buster Bartlett (may he be resting in peace and serenity) played a major role at the meeting, by getting public questions extended from 15 minutes to over an hour.
Buster, blessed with an inherent honesty, was a good friend and I shall miss his frequent phone calls received until he was too ill.