A PUBLIC MEETING

Report from the Portglas Herald:

10,000 to Attend Greenfest

Heat Merchants and Spootz to headline festival

Reporter: John Curnow

There were angry scenes at a public meeting last night in the village of Trevow. Demonstrators wore animal heads to signal their opposition to the Greenfest music festival which is planned for August Bank Holiday weekend.

Luke Davenport, of Davenport Enterprises, the festival organiser, announced the acts taking part would include the Heat Merchants, Spootz, Jim Glasgow and local artist Ellie Poole. On questioning he anticipated that some 10,000 people might attend over the course of the three day event.

Mr Davenport said that the festival would boost the local economy, bringing many local job opportunities. There would be a curfew at 11pm, and volunteers would be recruited to control litter.

Keith Mitchell, landlord of the village pub, The Clipper, welcomed the economic opportunities that the festival would provide. ‘This will be great for business. I look forward to welcoming these visitors to The Clipper.’

However concerns were expressed by demonstrators about the impact on the environment and the risks the event posed to a local colony of pipistrelle bats.

The demonstration was led by Jo Clemens, daughter of the landowner hosting the event, Margaret Clemens. Jo said ‘I am very worried about the waste that will be generated, the adequacy of toilet facilities, the risks to the local bat colony, and the disruptive behaviour of the attendees. How can a small community cope with 10,000 extra people?’

Luke Davenport announced that there would be a park and ride service running from Portglas to alleviate the traffic, and that he would be recruiting an army of Greenfest volunteers to regularly sweep for litter. He said locals would be able to buy tickets at discounted rates.

There was disappointment that Margaret Clemens was not available to answer questions.

For more information on the festival, including the full line up and job opportunities see http://www.greenfest.co.uk

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Back at home after the meeting, Lawrence logs into @ecochamber. His parents are downstairs, he does not have much time before his mother comes and noses into his room.

As the door creaks open Lawrence has just enough time to log off and open his school books.

Chapter 17