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Whitby Goth Weekend in danger
THE founder of Whitby's Gothic Weekend – which has brought millions of pounds to the town – fears October's event will not go ahead and the entire festival is in danger of collapsing.
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Jo Hampshire who has been running goth weekend for almost 17 years owes around 6,000 to Scarborough Borough Council for the hire of Whitby Pavilion after being hit by a fall in numbers at April's event.
Tourism bosses have now told Miss Hampshire to pay the full amount plus all of the money up front for Hallowe'en's event by 20 September – something she says will make her bankrupt.
The dispute with the council has escalated following a row over the hiring of Whitby Leisure Centre and her ex-husband Sam Hoyle, who has taken over the running of the market there which generates 6,500 in revenue for the official weekend.
This is something Mr Hoyle denies as he claims he has always booked the venue in his name in the past.
Miss Hampshire said the council has had her tickets for October's event ready to sell to offset her debt since the end of April but they aren't allowed to go on release until the contract with the council for Hallowe'en is signed.
She said: "Whitby Gothic Weekend doesn't actually make a lot of money and without the leisure centre revenue the whole festival is collapsing.
"I have run 28 successful events at Whitby Pavilion and no-one in the tourism or finance departments are prepared to work with me or help me to solve this problem.
"I don't expect the council to wipe off a debt I have because I have a quiet event.
"They have a copy of the past three years' accounts that illustrates there is no way I can pay this debt before the event.
"I bring so much trade to Whitby that to end my event would be disastrous for the town but it seems that's what will happen if I can't find around 10,000 before the end of September.
"April is the quietest event and I've already missed out on two big band bookings for April 2011 as I can't announce any dates.
"My customers are all really upset because they book their accommodation a year in advance and I'm constantly getting emails and calls."
Miss Hampshire added she has also met with the new management team at Whitby Pavilion following a restrucutre.
"They have no concept of what my event entails," she added.
"It was like sitting down 17 years ago and starting from scratch."
Scarborough Borough Council's tourism manager Janet Deacon told the Whitby Gazette the council fully recognises the importance of the goth weekends to the economy of the town and remain 100% behind the events.
She said: "The council continues to work with Jo Hampshire to look at ways in which she can clear the debt that is owed and ensure the event continues to be a success in the future.
"We have now issued a contract for the Hallowe'en Gothic Weekend and have offered to sit down with Jo and talk about a promotional plan to support the event, as well as sell tickets from our tourist information centres.
"Channels of communication remain very much open and I am happy to talk to Jo about any concerns she may have."
* The comment thread has been removed due to remarks from various parties. If you have any comments and opinions to make, write to the Whitby Gazette, 17-18 Bridge Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BG. Alternatively, email the editor and your thoughts will be published - provided they are legally safe to do so - Editor.
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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