Village Fete banned from Turnpike Field

2023 Village Fete

It was with astonishment and some annoyance that the Village Fete Committee was informed by the Parish Council two weeks ago that their application for permission to hold the annual fete on the Turnpike Field was refused. The application was submitted in February.

We have been given no explanation for this late decision but it appears that a dispute has arisen between the Parish Council and the previous owners of the land, over the wording of a covenant in the original transfer deed, resulting in both parties employing solicitors.

We have sought clarification from members of the Parish Council and also the previous owners of the field, but have been met with a total refusal to discuss the issue, the excuse being given that "the matter is in the hands of solicitors".

This has left the organisers of the fete in a considerable quandary, but rather than cancel it at this very late stage, the decision has been taken to relocate the event to a different venue.

Audlem Playing Field

The Village Fete will now be held on the Audlem Playing Field on the same date, ie. Saturday 31st starting at 12 noon.

On a broader note, it seems entirely unacceptable that, without any explanation to the people who actually bought the Turnpike Field, the Parish Council are refusing permission for activities to be held there which benefit the village.

Apart from the desire to prevent another housing estate being built along the canal, the villagers voted and paid for an amenity which cannot at present be used for their benefit.
If there is a good reason for the present impasse, then surely the Parish Council should abandon their secrecy and act with transparency and goodwill in an attempt to rectify it