AN OPEN meeting is to be held to discuss the format for next year's Thornton Cleveleys gala after this year's event received a mixed response from residents.

And top issues for debate will include the route of the procession and the possible reintroduction of motorised vehicles. The June 12 gala received differing responses from residents for its radical departure from past events with no vehicles and no procession around Cleveleys.

Gala committee chairman Ken Rowland said: "We have already held a committee meeting but feel we may have missed some valuable input for the 2000 gala.

"The purpose of the gala is to bring the children of the community together and involve them in the event, choosing and crowning queens, sports, fancy dress and a day of fun in the playing field. "That is why the committee work long hours under difficult conditions to continue the tradition that has been going on in this community for over 100 years."

The committee was criticised for the format and timetable of this year's gala and Mr Rowland insists constructive comments will be discussed.

He added: "We have taken the insults and vicious comments and ignored them.

"But we are ready to listen to reasonable people with reasonable ideas.

"We enjoy our work and our reward is smiling, happy children.

"Our objective is to build on the good from last year and take on board constructive comments."

The meeting, open to all residents, will be held at the Thornton Social Club, Holly Road on October 27 at 8pm.

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