South Wales Evening Post – 1 June 2007
Swansea Council leader Chris Holley has called for what he calls a "proper debate" on the future of Swansea's biggest park as a venue for events.
There has been a huge outcry over plans to hold three-day rock concert Fflam in Singleton Park this July. However, it is not the first time that plans to hold an event in the popular park have caused a stir.
Dance event Escape into the Park regularly attracts opposition and even car shows and the Swansea County Show have raised opposition.
Now Councillor Holley wants the people of Swansea to decide whether the park should continue to be used for any events at all. "There are 250,000 people in Swansea and these events attract thousands," he said.
"We understand the concerns that people living near the park have over the number of events and the size of events that take place there.
"But what people need to understand is that Singleton Park is an asset for the whole of Swansea to enjoy.
"I think perhaps the city will have to look at Singleton Park again and decide whether we want to hold events there at all. It is not just about the people who live close to the park, but about everyone in the city deciding."
Councillor Holley pointed out that all taxpayers contribute to the upkeep of the park.
"The park is not just there for people living close to it. It is there for people from Cwmbwrla just as much as it is for the people living around Sketty.
"We have to have a proper debate across every community in Swansea to see what we want for the park."
As well as Fflam Festival and Escape into the Park, Singleton is used for a number of other shows throughout the year. The BBC hosts Proms in the Park and Party in the Park has become a favourite with younger audiences.
This weekend saw thousands of people turn out for the Swansea County Show and the park has also hosted horse shows and car events in the past.Councillor Holley said the park should be used for more than sunbathing and dog walking, but accepts it is a park for residents and they should decide.
He added: "Singleton Park has been used for all kinds of events for years. It is not something that has just been thought about recently."
