COUNCILLORS could not reach a consensus on whether introducing a charge for Basingstoke Live would benefit the community despite a heated debate.

A meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s community, environment and partnerships committee, on Wednesday, 17 January finished with no real resolution as members gave their thoughts ahead of a final decision on the proposal being made.

Councillors debated for more than 75 minutes on whether introducing an entry fee to Basingstoke’s two-day music festival was the best way to progress the event.

The changes, presented by arts and events manager at the borough council Ross Harvie and deputy leader of the borough council and portfolio holder for arts and heritage Councillor Terri Reid would see a charge for the first time in the festival’s 12 year history, as well as potentially extending the festival to a third day by hosting events on the Friday evening.

At the meeting Cllr Reid said: “It (Basingstoke Live) is a substantial investment by the council, so we have to make sure we get the absolute best out of that.

“We are proposing to charge for something better and more exciting and put Basingstoke on the map.”

However, at the meeting, some councillors said while they were not against the growth of the festival, they wanted it remain to free entry.

Others believed introducing a cost would exclude many potential festival goers.

Winklebury ward councillor Angie Freeman, who has set up a petition to keep the festival free, said: “As a free festival it is something Basingstoke can be proud of.

“I feel the introduction of an entrance fee will again see a drop in numbers.”

Eastrop ward councillor Gavin James, whose ward hosts the event, argued no residents in the area had been consulted about the proposed changes and felt the proposal was being ‘rushed’.

Cllr James said: “We haven’t done a survey on what the impact is on the people who attend the event “It is worth exploring but we shouldn’t rush into changing an event before we’ve had some proper consultation.

“There is a lot of sensitivity around it and we haven’t had enough time to consider what the future of it is.”