Mela still in jeopardy following stormy meeting

---

Will Gunnersbury Park event get its licence?

The London Mela is still in jeopardy following an inconclusive meeting at Hounslow's Civic Centre. Over 100 residents of properties surrounding Gunnersbury Park, the venue for the August 13th festival of South Asian culture, gathered at a meeting to determine whether or not councillors on the Licensing Panel would grant CiP a licence for the event.

The problems started when notices appeared saying that park operators CiP were applying for a licence that would enable them to host a variety of events in the park. If successful, the licence would have granted organisers the right to hold an unlimited number of events in the park, finishing as late as midnight.

The licensing office received around 100 letters of objection. This spurred CiP, under pressure from local councillors, to amend the licence. The meeting heard that CiP was now seeking a licence solely for the day of the Mela, between midday and 9.30pm.

However this amendment still met with opposition. Many residents spoke out against what they saw as a total lack of consultation, and stated that the Melas was a victim of its own success and should go elsewhere. Many residents expressed their anger, although the meeting never threatened to get out of hand.

The licensing panel were particularly struck by one objector who pointed out the legal necessity to put Notices at every 50m around the park giving notice of the application. It was claimed that this had not been done, and evidence from the licensing office was not conclusive.

The panel decided to take legal advice on this issue. They will deliver their verdict at the Civic Centre on Monday 31st.

If the Panel refuse the application, it is not clear what will happen to the Mela. It is possible that it will move to another park in the borough, as some parks have already obtained licences. However it is possible that this could leave Hounslow vulnerable to a claim for damages from the organisers.

The announcement of the decision will be webcast on Hounslow's website.

July 27 2006