Following the shocking announcement that the Liberal Democrats running Colne Town Council have axed the Blues Festival without consulting the public, the Conservative leader of Pendle Council, Cllr Nadeem Ahmed, has issued the following statement.
“For over 30 years, The Blues Festival has arguably been the most iconic event held in Pendle, with people coming from across the country and even further afield, to visit our corner of the world. It undoubtedly boosts local businesses, helping to protect jobs, and is enjoyed by thousands. At a time where businesses are recovering from the pandemic and getting back on their feet, it is unforgivable that the Lib Dems would hamper that by cancelling the Blues.
“The economic shock of this is could be too much for businesses to bear. They need support from local Councils more than ever and I won’t sit by and let local businesses suffer because of this short sighted decision. The outcry from local businesses, visitors and residents has been testament to how popular the Blues remains.
“I will be looking to ensure this Festival continues to run, by working with residents and local businesses. It’s up to the Town Council how that happens. I am giving the Lib Dem run Colne Town Council until Monday to come to their senses and do the right thing. If they do not, I will bring an emergency motion to Pendle Borough Council this month to try to secure the future of the Festival.
“This is not the Town Council’s, or any Council’s event. This event belongs to the people of Pendle, its pub trade, and its businesses. We would look to help establish an independent, Charitable Trust, free from politics, to run the event. It would be made up of representatives from the music, pub, voluntary and public sectors.
"To be clear, this would be a last resort option and would take time to establish to get a reinvigorated Festival up and running. Therefore I call on Colne Town Council to make a U-turn and commit to securing the Festival's long term-future.
“To local people, fighting to save the Blues, I say thank you and keep pushing Colne Town Council to do the right thing. You’re doing a great job!”