MP PRAISES T IN THE PARK PROGRESS

21 January 2008

Gordon Banks, the MP for South Perthshire has praised the efforts and hard work of the T in the Park Local Community Forum in working towards a successful 2008 T in the Park.

With weather and security alerts causing major problems to the road network and local communities within his Constituency last year, the Forum now provides the opportunity for the promoters, agencies, Parliamentary and local political representatives and community councils to meet and work together on the way forward for this year.
 
With two such meetings already taking place in September 07 and this January, the MP is impressed by the progress already achieved and the hard work and commitment that he and his staff have witnessed from all attendees.
 
Mr Banks said - "These two valuable meetings to date and the significant hard work and progress that has already been achieved by all those who have involved themselves in this Forum is to be commended.  Amongst many other factors, a great deal of attention and application is being given to ever evolving transport and traffic technologies which gives growing reassurance in the areas of monitoring and contingency management.”
 
“In particular, local community councils have been prepared to come to table with goodwill and intelligent and practical input and the value of this cannot be underestimated in assisting the promoters and the various agencies in planning for this year.  As MP this is greatly appreciated.”

Mr Banks also commented on alleged new legislation from the SNP Government that will prevent alcohol firms from sponsoring events such as T in the Park.

“Events such as T in the Park contribute millions to the Scottish Economy and are known worldwide, thus bringing much credit and attention to our communities. As the MP for Balado, I am proud that we can attract such a dedicated following to the area and put on such an excellent show.”

“Tennents support of the festival in Balado has not only created a branding that is known worldwide, but without their support such events would struggle to get off the ground. I would hope the recently elected SNP Member for Ochil will stand up for T in the Park and urge his colleagues to reconsider a decision which isn’t supported by any firm evidence. Mr Brown has criticised Carlsberg recently for putting at risk jobs in Alloa, yet his party are prepared to risk the livelihoods of those in the entertainment industry with this proposed ban on alcohol sponsorship.”

“We all know the dangers of alcohol to our young people but I personally do not believe that a ban on advertising would achieve anything substantial. If Tennents were prevented from sponsoring the event, does anyone seriously think that would reduce the amount of alcohol consumed at the event… I think not.”

“People go to these events to relax and enjoy themselves and I would urge the SNP administration to think very carefully about putting events such as T in the Park at risk.”

“I understand the Department of Culture. Media and Sport at Westminster have no similar plans to ban alcohol sponsorship of such events and I hope that the SNP will learn from their mistakes and withdraw this policy suggestion.