Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Debate on free entry to lights
Wednesday 19th November 2008, 5:19PM GMT.
Plans to scrap entry fees at Walsall Illuminations have been discussed by council chiefs, it was revealed today.
Officers at the local authority have floated the idea of reducing costs and making the annual event free, but leading councillors insist the lights show must pay for itself. Blackpool’s illuminations have always been free to the public.
A record low turnout in Walsall combined with a loss of £120,000 has prompted organisers into a rethink.
They have blamed a turn out of just 111,000 – compared to 377,000 in 1989 – on the decision to reduce the annual attraction’s run from six to five weeks, along with the economic slump.
This year leisure bosses were criticised for raising entry fees despite last year’s low attendance. The future of the show at the arboretum will be discussed by councillors next week.
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Free entry to the lights – now that would be interesting. No staff to pay overtime or casual rates in order to collect money; no bank costs in banking money; a few extra costs in coping with increased numbers – but that could be offest by using volunteers from charities that would benefit from donation boxes at the end of the walk through (rather like Blackpool has the Rotary Club at the end of the illumintaions). A percentage fee from the catering concessions and fair ground rides would yield greater income due to increased numbers – and is easily monitored in terms of how much is sold – a CCTV system can do that as well as provide public safety. Possible charges for Park and Ride and Car Parking – with strict enforcement of local restrictions.
It seems a good idea to me and that is where it falls down. Not too sure when the council last took on a good idea. They must have done once.
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How about forget using just the Arboretum, and take a leaf out of black pool books, use the Walsall high street/ market, light up the market etc? light up all of walsall, and have events on at the Arboretum with lights like rock bands, music big screen movie’s etc or else it will be useless next year with the petrol price coming down i think every one will just go up north and see Black pool’s lights.
Walsall Boy :)
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do as we did many years ago. put collection boxes on display.
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I have a message for the Councillors: PLEASE SORT OUT THE BLOOMIN’ RING ROAD. YOU’VE CREATED A TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE. IF PEOPLE CAN’T ACTUALLY GET TO THE ARBORETUM THEY AREN’T GOING TO VISIT THE ILLUMINATIONS. Sorry for putting the message in capitals but it appears to fall on deaf ears if one uses conventional methods of communication. Thanks.
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i dont think people mind paying some sort of entry fee . but not the prices they have had for the last few years. as it is only walsall no seaside … no disrespect to walsall but would you travel to blackpool if the lights were in a park ? i think not . west midlands councillors are the greediest out
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Looks like the best way to do it – bus everyone up to the Blaqckpool lights,it would cost less it’s free, save on not having to purchase, layout and inatall and cost of electricity on the Walsall lights.
The town would be almost empty,for at least a day, thus allowing traffic to move freely around the roadworks,
Sounds like a winner all round eh ?
Present council,Officers at the local authority and the people involved in the 2007 2008 2009 lights would not be invited.They should be made to stay at home.
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I live & work in Walsall & I’m proud of my adopted town. I attend the lights every year with my wife & 3 children & I have the discussion each year how as Walsall resident’s we should receive a reduced rate entry. The light’s this year were appalling & poorly facilitated especially in comparison to the spectacular that was 2007. We have vowed not to return next year & feel disappointed. I think free entry is an excellent idea & indeed maybe a ‘Gateway’ from the town centre would attract more business & visitors to the event. Sort it out Walsall, we’re very lucky to have a wonderful park & should maximise on this open space.
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free thats a joke it says to day they might even cancel it till 2012
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as good as the lights have been in the past i think its time walsall council try n put something new in replace of the lights something new and innovative like the germal market in birmingham
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