| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Sad news about Brentford Festival cancellation | |
| Posted by: | John Bradley | |
| Date/Time: | 23/02/12 10:03:00 |
| Allow me to add some further information. As the person who formally advised London Borough of Hounslow (LBH) that the Festival was cancelled in my capacity as Chairman of Friends of Boston Manor (FoBM) hopefully I can make a few things clearer. Following various difficulties leading up to last year's festival and doubts over the continued support of Continental Landscapes (CL, John Laing's subcontractor) FoBM requested a meeting with LBH. That was held just before Xmas. The meeting was held at the Civic Centre between representatives of LBH, Laing, CL and FoBM, the last being me and David Viney, organiser of the music at the Festival. We first asked whether the Festival had the full support of the LBH. We were advised yes. For this reason we did not refer back to individual councillors - that assurance was enough. We then asked for confirmation that we would receive the same support in terms of money (i.e. in meeting any fees) and labour from LBH, Laing and especially CL (whose labour force was crucial to the success of the Festival) as last year. FoBM were aware that the other three parties would need to discuss how that would be achieved between them and we did not expect an answer there and then but we needed an answer by mid-January if the ball was to start rolling for Brentford Festival 2012. After discussion and in view of the Xmas holidays a 'drop dead' date of the end of January was agreed. Secondly, we asked that any contractual or other paperwork required by Laing would be sent to us for review and comment for agreement by the end of January. LBH were 'chased' for an answer on the 9th Jan. i.e. having allowed a week back at work. A contract was given by Laing and our comments were returned a few days later. By the end of January FoBM had received confirmation that the site fee would be paid by LBH but had not received written confirmation that services provided by Laing and CL would not be charged. Nor had we received a response to our comments on the Laing contract. I would have thought it straight forward for the three parties ‘on the other side of the table’ to agree who should provide what and at whose expense. In view of the uncertainty we had to cancel. We could not proceed without being certain of the level of support or demands on our time. Laing has performed badly on this but that does not relieve LBH of responsibility. I have avoided making a party political issue out of this (a lot of people know my own political affiliation) but one cannot simply blame the previous administration – that’s a cop out. Before looking at the mote in other people’s eyes LBH should look at the beam in their own eye. I am pleased that Councillors Cadbury and Harmer (both of whom I have spoken to recently) remain supportive but unless they address their (LBH) faults as well as others I can see this farrago being repeated next year. Finally, let me say thank you for all the messages of support we have received, it makes it feel worthwhile. |