THE final decision on what happens to Basingstoke Live will be taken by Councillor Elaine Still, the Cabinet member for communities, sport, and culture at the borough council.

She has said that she would like to see the event continue, but she fears that money pressures may mean it has to be axed next year.

“I do not want to see it go, I enjoyed it this year even in all the mud,” Cllr Still told The Gazette.

“But, on the other hand, I am a realist. With Government cuts and pressures on funding, I have to look at the bigger picture.

“All of the issues with anti-social behaviour have come about because the festival has become so big. The police have said that next year, they want more resources in place. As things get bigger, so do the costs.

“By withdrawing it for one year, we would be able to evaluate the situation. It needs to be looked at to make it more cost-effective.”

Next month the community and wellbeing committee at Basing-stoke and Deane Borough Council will discuss the future of the free two-day music festival and will make their recommendations to Cllr Still. She will be faced with either axing the event next year, scaling it down, or agreeing that an admission fee should be charged.

Cllr Still, below, said: “I will listen at the committee and will welcome members’ comments and suggestions to keep Basingstoke Live going before I make any decision.”