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MP: Hands off Hayes Carnival
JOHN McDonnell MP is calling for a guarantee that an annual carnival will not be axed, following a week of speculation.
Confusing information relayed by Hillingdon Council resulted in a campaign being launched to save Hayes Carnival from the chop.
The confusion started last week when the council said the annual July carnival would be moved to October to be integrated with BigFest, a street festival in Uxbridge.
Residents and the Labour MP for the ward launched a campaign to retain the celebrations for the people of Hayes.
This week the council has announced the carnival is not going to be scrapped after all.
Mr McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, has said he will continue with his campaign.
He told the Hillingdon Times: "All we have is security for this year but not for the future years.
"What we want is an absolute commitment and clarity that Hayes Carnival will continue."
The council said it has been in the early stages of planning both BigFest and Hayes Carnival and had not made any decisions, and talks about moving the carnival parade from July to October were only considerations.
Mr McDonnell said: "Hayes Carnival is the central community event for all of Hayes and has been enjoyed by Hayes residents for more than 80 years.
"This is a disgraceful decision by the bunch of Conservative vandals in Uxbridge who are yet again stealing funds from Hayes to subsidise Uxbridge.
"I am appalled at this daylight robbery. The councillors who made this decision all represent the north of the borough.
"This demonstrates how little they care for Hayes and Harlington.
"Selling off our local stadium and closing down the carnival, they just won't stop at the asset stripping of our community."
Jean Palmer, director of planning and community services at the council, said: "Hayes Carnival is not being cancelled. "The council is in the early stages of planning for both Hayes Carnival in July and BigFest in October, with the aim of improving the events and giving people an opportunity to enjoy entertainment across the borough.
"As we have said, a Hayes Carnival parade will be taking place on the same day as BigFest in October. However, this is in addition to the July Hayes Carnival celebrations, which will also have a parade as normal.
"It was never our intention to cancel the Hayes Carnival, although some consideration was made to moving the parade.
"Both BigFest and Hayes Carnival are well-established multicultural events which promote diversity in Hillingdon and we would never cancel an event of this scale without consulting those affected. We hope that both events will be enjoyed by residents across the borough."
Labour councillors started an online petition which can be signed by visiting www.savehayescarnival.co.uk
9:32am Saturday 3rd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: jeanne, West drayton on 3:26pm Sat 3 May 08
I saw and signed the petition this morning on the way to Matalan.
people were queing to sign.
I saw and signed the petition this morning on the way to Matalan.
people were queing to sign.
Posted by: Joe, Hayes on 5:29am Mon 5 May 08
Hayes is more than just a "ward"!!!!!!!
For goodness sake!
Hayes is more than just a "ward"!!!!!!!
For goodness sake!
Posted by: John, Yiewsley on 9:54am Mon 5 May 08
Whatever the background of why they said it, the COuncil have stated they will not now change anything - what is the issue - is the Labour Party so ineffective locally that this is the best they can find to hit the Tories with?
Whatever the background of why they said it, the COuncil have stated they will not now change anything - what is the issue - is the Labour Party so ineffective locally that this is the best they can find to hit the Tories with?
Posted by: Mrs Bishop, uxbridge on 7:37am Tue 6 May 08
John from Yiewsley, you should be thankful that they are not moving in on your councillors. Now that would make front page news.
John from Yiewsley, you should be thankful that they are not moving in on your councillors. Now that would make front page news.
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