Music show 'must go on'

Oswestry Town councillors said last night that the show, which attracts thousands of music lovers, should go on.

The day-long music event was thrown into jeopardy when Oswestry Town clerk David Preston warned there should be serious consideration as to whether Music Live takes place next July.

This followed criticism by police that festival goers were allowed to take alcohol into Cae Glas Park and some complaints of noise.

And it follows a request from the head teacher at the town's Marches School that the event should be held on a Saturday, after so many pupils failed to turn up for school the day following last year's event.

Mr Preston also expressed concern about individuals taking responsibility for such a large event.

Problems

Councillors have agreed to call a special "round table" meeting with a councillor group and other organisations, such as the borough council, police, tourism and chamber of commerce, involved.

Councillor Betty Gull said: "Music Live gives pleasure to thousands of thousands of people, from tots to teenagers and those older. The problems are tiny compared to the amount of people that are there."

Councillor Don Aldridge said the event should go on despite the problems.

"If we give in to the problems then Music Live will die and a lot of people in our town will lose the chance to enjoy what is a good event," he said.

There was a call from Councillor Bill Benyon to prevent people taking alcohol into the festival.

He said: "Alcohol is the root of the problems. If there was a properly controlled, licensed bar with the only drinking allowed within that area, then that would prevent a lot of the problems."

Councillor Elaine Channon said Music Live should not be blamed for a drop in school attendance. Councillors also urged the police to see the event as a great opportunity to engage with the community by taking an exhibition stand there.

By Sue Austin