Civic

 
Dear Editor,


During recent canvassing in Alsager Central for Reform UK candidate Dave Mahoney, many residents I spoke to raised concerns about the high – and still rising – level of Council Tax in the town. While I congratulate Phil Williams of the Liberal Democrats on his election victory, these doorstep conversations highlighted a broader issue: the pressure of ever-increasing taxes on households that can often ill afford them.

One clear example is the continuing programme of ticketed events at Alsager Civic. From indoor boot sales to tribute bands, the venue offers a wide range of entertainments. Yet, to my understanding, the Civic has run at a loss for years. Taxpayers are effectively subsidising these activities, deepening the financial hole. Is it really appropriate for the council to operate an entertainments venue that competes directly with private sector businesses – using funds extracted from local residents by compulsion?


Alsager has seen numerous pubs and licensed venues close in recent years, while the publicly subsidised Civic continues to operate. This raises serious questions about whether the state should be picking winners and losers in the local leisure market.

Further, I am surprised that the council’s programme includes a “Michael Jackson – Tribute Night” on 4th September. Given the serious allegations and court cases associated with the artist, this choice shows questionable judgement. At this rate, I fully expect next year’s line-up to feature a Gary Glitter tribute act, perhaps as a double bill with a “Paint like Rolf Harris” workshop. It seems nothing is off-limits in Alsager.

Local taxpayers deserve better value for money and greater accountability from those spending their money. I urge the council to review whether subsidising loss-making entertainments represents a responsible use of public funds in the current economic climate.

Regards,

Andy Large
Alsager West

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