CONGRATULATIONS to our weak-willed council as they manage to get it wrong once again giving in to the vociferous few market stall holders objecting to having to vacate the festival market building for the punk festival 2002. They knew when they set up their market stalls the conditions that applied to their rental agreement with the city council. If they want a more permanent site there are many vacant properties inn Morecambe where they can set up business -- no they want their business on the cheap to maximise profits. The public purse and grants paid for the building, the local businesses connected with tourism will now suffer a loss of turnover estimated around £1.6million for that one weekend. lost revenue for accommodation, taxi fares, camping, bars, food, restaurants, petrol, shop takings, souvenir, temporary jobs international advertising and worldwide public relations. The punks came from all over the world for this celebration weekend and they had a good record with regard to trouble and their general behaviour. The council seemed to regard a petition with 7000 signatures (how many duplicated signatures, how many signing for a friend?). How about consultation with other local businesses which will now have to bear the cost of another lost local event. Year on year as the attractions are reduced the number of visitors to the resort are reduced.

D Needham Venture Caravan Park