Conservatives in Northampton have today launched a public consultation for feedback on this year's Balloon Festival amid growing speculation that this year's event made the worse loss ever.  The event was run for the first time by the Liberal Democrat administration at The Guildhall, who charged an entrance fee, resulting in attendance being well down on previous years.

Conservative Group Leader, Cllr. Tim Hadland, said "The Balloon Festival should be one of the highlights of the year for Northampton. Charging £4 was clearly a factor in many people choosing to stay away, and the Lib Dems have not ruled out imposing a higher attendance fee next year. After the elections in May we vowed to hold the Lib Dems to account. We are interested in people's views on the Balloon Festival this year so that we can make sure we get a good deal next year for the people of Northampton."
 
The public consultation is backed by Brian Binley MP and Michael Ellis, Conservative candidate for Northampton North.

Brian Binley MP said, "Clearly people were unhappy with the £4 charge and they voted with their feet. Our task now is to ensure that the Lib Dems are not allowed to mess this important event up again next year."
 
Michael Ellis said, "We have already lost the Fireworks Display this year so that the Lib Dems could redecorate The Guildhall. Now we need to watch the Balloon Festival and make sure there is some family fun left in Northampton. This public consultation is the first step in finding out people's views."

Members of the public are asked to give their views by Friday 16th November.

To access the survey online click here or download the survey by clicking here.

24th October 2007