South Bedfordshire District Council, Leisure Connections and the CaliR event

Mr Sid Hudson, the organiser of the popular CaliR event, recently asked South Bedfordshire District Council for its views on the decision made by Leisure Connection not to host the event in the future.

The first point we should make is that we have explained to Mr Hudson that Leisure Connection is contracted by South Bedfordshire District Council to manage the day-to-day running of the Grove Theatre.  It is Leisure Connection that has the responsibility to decide what events and shows will be held there.

We are happy with this arrangement and do not usually intervene in any decision they may make on the theatre's programme on a day-to-day basis.

Although this council has no direct management responsibility for the Grove Theatre, we feel it important, however, to respond to the points Mr Hudson has been making via local media. 

In our reply letter to him we explained that while the Grove Theatre is a magnificent venue for all the people of South Bedfordshire as well as visitors to the area, the facility was never intended to be an exact replica replacement for the old Queensway Hall.  This means that its programme is likely to be quite different from that offered in the Queensway Hall.

Whilst we understand why Mr Hudson would want to use The Grove, the council agrees with Leisure Connection that some events are simply not suitable to be hosted in the new theatre, because they are essentially events for which the space and equipment in the theatre are not really appropriate and that can raise health and safety issues.  The CaliR event, by its very nature is more suited to a ballroom style or concert venue, which the Grove Theatre is not.

We stand by the Leisure Connections in this issue and are confident that residents will understand the reasons for this decision.

Ends

Press release issued: June 22 2007