Burscough Yew Tree Farm Housing development. Protest: Interview with local Labour Councillor John Davis - CNN iReport

Burscough Yew Tree Farm Housing development. Protest: Interview with local Labour Councillor John Davis - CNN iReport
Burscough Yew Tree Farm development protest: Video interview with local residents Michelle Blair and Gavin Rattray - CNN iReport

CNN PRODUCER NOTE MJWRIGHT shot this video interview with Labour councilor John Davis of Burscough, U.K (and local residents Michelle Blair and Gavin Rattray) about a controversial planned farm development project. 'I empathise with these local people, upset at the potentially huge, change and growth, which they worry will change the character of their village and damage their local environment,' he said. 'However, I also take a pragmatic view to these developments. Nationwide the country needs a million or so new homes, they have to go somewhere! It's up to local people and the local media to hold their political representatives to account and ensure the best deal is struck. Done right, this growth will bring economic benefits for local people and their children.'
- jmsaba, CNN iReport producer

Ormskirk Motorfest 2012: West Lancs Council agrees to provide increased subsidy.

The Ormskirk Motorfest 2011 was a reported success, with additional visitors to Ormskirk on the day estimated to have swelled by around 10,000 people in comparison with a typical market day.  It is reported this week that West Lancashire Council recently agreed to proviide funding for the 2012 Ormskirk Motorfest.

Ormskirk Motorfest 2011 preview day at the Clocktower.

The decision has effectively given the go ahead, once again, for the event.  Althought the council subsidy is almost double to that of last year.  In 2011 some of the other event 'partners' provided their services for free.  This year the economic times are tougher, budgets are tighter and if the event is to go ahead, the council has been asked to dig deeper into the coffer filled by local taxpayers.  However, the council is hoping that the advertising sold in event programmes will offset some or all of this financial outlay.

Ormskirk Motorfest 2011

In my opinion.....
There are bound to be questions asked among local residents relating to the council commiting to spend their taxes in this manner.

What was the financial impact of last year's event for the town? What other positive benefits did the event bring to local businesses and residents?  Local households have less money to spend and unemployment has hit many families.  Event organisers and council decision makers, must put rhetoric and hype to one side and present a detailed, public and evidence based case for this tax expenditure.