Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report, originally raised as a scrutiny proposal by Councillor Pardoe, relating to the civic bonfire and fireworks event which had taken place on Sunday 4th November 2007 at Sanders Park, Bromsgrove.  Two issues had been raised in connection with this, namely: that no tickets had been issued on entry, meaning it was not possible to fully audit receipts; and the lack of a record of the exact numbers of people in attendance at the event.  Councillors Mrs. Luck and Pardoe were present for this item and spoke on the issues in question.

It was noted that the 2007 event was the first to have been organised as a chargeable event to the public and that there were lessons to be learnt from this.  Members supported the proposals contained in the report for the introduction of a paid ticket system for each member of the public attending the event.  This would enable receipts to be fully audited and reconciled and would also produce an exact record of how many children, adults and families had attended.  It was felt that colour coded tickets for different categories of attendee, together with advance ticket sales in the weeks leading up to the event would assist in the future.

Officers agreed to investigate and report back to Members after the meeting on certain operational matters raised during the course of the discussion.  It was also agreed that public statements would be issued acknowledging difficulties encountered with the event and outlining changes to be put in place for 2008.

RESOLVED that, subject to the comments in the preamble above, the contents of the report and the proposed enhancements for the 2008 event be noted.