Having been trying for two years, with the help of many people on this forum, to change this council's policy and as a result to enable the New Star session in particular, I have to disagree with those above.

To feel that a folk festival organised and funded by this council is the only way a festival for Weymouth AND PORTLAND can take place, and that one just has to put up with whatever policy they hold to ensure it, is simply not true.

I was content to leave involvment/attendence at this festival up to each individuals conscience but these appeals have hardened my attitude. I now call on the local people who have been working with this council to examine their motives before they make any appeals for outside support for this festival in this current form.

Perhaps they are best placed to pressure the council?

Their eagerness to climb into bed with this council, on their terms, despite the council's heavy-handed enforcement, has led the council to believe that there would be no adverse effects of their interpretation of this legislation and to consider that mine was a lone voice locally, and one that could safely be ignored.

There must come a time when one has to be prepared to make some sacrifice for things we hold dear. Or do we really believe that we can we have our cake and eat it?

If we do, it shows that the comtempt shown by out Government to us, in ignoring our concerns in the new Bill, and of this council ignoring local concerns, is well founded.