This in from Andrew Turner‘s office, in his own words. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, is calling for organisers of Island events, large and small to let him know about the difficulties they face when staging them.
He hopes to find ways to help make organising public events easier, by looking closely at the rules, regulations and legislation that can make them difficult to stage – or sometimes even prevent them from going ahead at all.
Mr Turner commented:
“We have many wonderful events on the Island, from local flower shows to internationally renowned music festivals. They add greatly to Island life and are essential to our tourist trade. However, I am sometimes told of obstacles that make putting them on very challenging. For example it may be the cost of insurance, the demands of the highways department or health and safety fears for volunteer helpers or visitors.
“If local organisers let me know of the problems I will see if there is anything that can be done to ease the way. For instance it might be possible for similar events to share insurance cover, I can raise issues with the Council or with Ministers, or I can challenge the Health and Safety Executive to justify rules that seem unreasonable.
“I am grateful to the Garlic Festival organiser, David Holmes, who has volunteered to assist with this major piece of work.”
“Besieged by red tape and excessive bureaucracy”
Mr Holmes, who took over management of the Garlic Festival from Newchurch Parish Sports and Community Association six years ago said;
“The Garlic Festival raises many thousands of pounds for Island charities each year – yet it seems we are constantly besieged by red tape and excessive bureaucracy. If there are common problems we may be able to find common solutions and I very much welcome the opportunity to help investigate on a voluntary basis.
“I hope as many people as possible will send in their views so that we can look constructively to see if there is anything that can be done to help.”
Anybody connected with any event can send their comments by e-mail to [email protected] or by post to Mr Turner’s office at the Riverside Centre, Newport, PO30 2QR
