Mayor – ‘I am miffed at jubilee response’ (From Ledbury Reporter)

Mayor – ‘I am miffed at jubilee response’

2:10pm Friday 4th May 2012 in News By Gary Bills-Geddes

LEDBURY Mayor Allen Conway says he is “miffed” so few Ledbury individuals, organisations and businesses seem to be interested in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

But he said the town council would “close the High Street” if there is enough public support.

He said: “Why am I miffed?

Not enough people have put their hats in the ring to support this special day, a once-in-a lifetime experience, Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee.

“It is a day off to celebrate.

But where are the people, the clubs, organisations and businesses who could make this a special day and promote a town event?”

The Diamond Jubilee has been a sore point for Coun Conway since January, when a public meeting called by the town council to discuss Ledbury’s plans for the occasion attracted just seven members of the public to the Burgage Hall.

Speaking this week he said: “The town council is prepared to arrange the closure of the High Street and offer support to anybody wanting to host a town celebration on Sunday, June 3.

“But so far only one business, the Feathers Hotel, and one organisation, St Katherine’s Friday Market, have shown interest in taking part.”

The Feathers Hotel plans to host a pig roast and the St Katherine’s Friday Market hopes to sell plates of Jubilee fare.

But Coun Conway confirmed that a planned town centre ox roast, which had the backing of the town council, has been cancelled because the organiser has fallen ill.

Coun Conway is urging more organisations to follow the example of the Feathers and the Friday Market, and to make plans.

He said: “Come on you people of Ledbury, get your ideas in to the council offices as soon as possible and let’s make this a memorable event!”