There has been a great deal of concern expressed about the condition of Montpellier and Imperial Gardens after they were used for this years Cheltenham's Literature Festival.
The current state of Montpellier Gardens and the gardens in Imperial Square has led local resident groups to call for an urgent re-think about the use of the gardens for festivals. Those living nearest to the Gardens are not alone in wanting the Borough Council to reconsider how the gardens are used by the Festivals for events. I get contacted by people from many other parts of Cheltenham who are very concerned not only by the temporary damage done to the gardens but also the time that the gardens are not available for the public to use fully and enjoy.
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| The town centre formal gardens have been left churned up and damaged after the Literature Festival |
Although the gardens are left considerably damaged by the formal events that take place there, other people take the view that because Cheltenham Festivals are so important to the town that we should persevere and allow them to continue to be held in the gardens. The Festivals have also said that due their sponsors they need to use the gardens to allow the Festivals to continue in Cheltenham.
Given that, I think it was right for the temporary planning permission to be granted to establish the impact on the gardens. Following events on the gardens, the Borough Council makes strenuous efforts to get the gardens reinstated as quickly as possible. Those who put the events on are obliged to meet the cost of this reinstatement.
It is a difficult balancing act for the Council to deal with. On the one hand we have these two well used, attractive gardens in the centre of our town which are so important to local residents and visitors alike. On the other hand we have world classed Festivals who say that without utilising the gardens in this way they could have to take the Festivals away from the town.
I have tried to keep a balanced view on this issue, hoping that a sensible solution can be found to accommodative the Festivals and keep them in Cheltenham, whilst ensuring the Gardens are kept at their best and are mainly available for general use.
However, sadly I think I now have come to the view that the impact on the gardens, both in terms of the harm to their appearance and loss of general use is unacceptable.
However, sadly I think I now have come to the view that the impact on the gardens, both in terms of the harm to their appearance and loss of general use is unacceptable.
It is time for the Festivals to reconsider the options available to them. We have great town centre venues that can more than adequately hold the festival events. This town is so lucky to have both the Festivals and the Gardens but we must keep the Gardens looking their best at all times so they can be used all year round by residents and visitors alike. There are alternative venues for the Festivals, venues like the Pump Rooms and Town Hall, theatres in the town, even the Racecourse.
I believe it is now time for a serious re-think, we need our gardens to be able to enjoy all year round and not just when the Festivals aren't using them.
A committee was set up to monitor their effect on the environment and nearby residents after temporary planning permission was granted by the Council. Whether or not the current situation is allowed to continue on a permanent basis will have to be decided by planning committee when the current temporary application expires.
A committee was set up to monitor their effect on the environment and nearby residents after temporary planning permission was granted by the Council. Whether or not the current situation is allowed to continue on a permanent basis will have to be decided by planning committee when the current temporary application expires.
