Vandalism in town

[Stella]

NOW (New Opportunities Wirksworth) was set up to regenerate the town and all efforts will fail if we allow the continuation of the disturbing vandalism that has recently escalated in the town. We wish to support the Town Council in their efforts to combat the disturbing vandalism that is going on in the town. The Council have called a meeting in the Town Hall next week and for those of you who are concerned, this would be an ideal opportunity for you to have your say.

[Joe Bloggs]

I tell you what I think. It's a bl---y disgrace.

[alastairclark]

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[alastairclark]

Can you give a bit of detail about the vandalism stella ?I am really not surewhat

Oi

[Stella]

I really do not like spelling them out, Alastair. But I suggest for 'starters' you read the front page of Community Fayre re. the damage to the church. There have also been several arson attacks. Wirksworth is such a special town - we need to cherish it.

[alastairclark]

Hi I did read about the incident in the church but I think ifNOW are calling a meeting then 'spelling it out' is a duty. Some statistics on increase and nature of the vandalism are important for an informed debate. Public meetings about law and order based on hearsay facts are a dangerous development and will not do wirksworth any favours in my view.

It seems from what you say that there may well be evidence of some increased vandalism but let's have it.

[NOW]

The meeting referred to by Stella is one being arranged by the Town Council. NOW only wishes to give the Council it's total support and would recommend a good attendance.

[Erica Boulton]

There is a lot of talk about alcohol causing trouble in British streets. Does this apply to Wirksworth too?

[Emjay]

Used to be that the carnival was a prime time for drunken behaviour but I haven't heard of any major incidents for ages. I think wherever you get people drinking to excess you are likely to get trouble and Wirksworth is no exception. If individuals want to behave that way, they will.

I did see a brawl which spilled into the road during a live gig at the September festival, outside on Market Place. Drink fuelled? Can't assume that because there is a pub nearby alcohol was a major factor!

[Unregistered]

There is a lot of talk about alcohol causing trouble in British streets. Does this apply to Wirksworth too?

Of course it does, Wrksworth is just like any other town in the country. Why wouldn't it?

[BolehillBilly]

I must admit, that the most ASBO type behaviour I have seen has always been over the festival. It is the time we bar most people. Most of them are locals.
Over the carnival many people come in. But over the festival some people think it's their time to "have a go". This can make festival harder than carnival.
I personally think the festival is a waste of time bringing in only holiday cottagers and attracting second home owners. Who are slowly but surely buying up all the houses that any local can afford. These people are turning Wirksworth not only into a seasonal town but a completely dead town where no shops nor groups meet. Rocketing house prices may be a god send to house sellers, but death of a community is on the horizon.
NO to holiday cottages or second homes.

[jacob]

I know what you mean abt the festival - it can seem to be a slightly smug self congratulatory middle class event.
It would have more value IMHO if fed more in to the area such as a permanent legacy of "ordinary" "local" people getting involved in the arts, rather than being a trade show for visitors from elsewhere, which could just as well be held anywhere else.

cheers
Jacob
PS agree abt holiday cottages too. Mind you, many well off buy-to-let landlords and 2nd home owners are getting a kicking from falling house prices at the moment, so it's not all bad news!
PPS I've been told that the community aspect of the festival is very much on their agenda. Perhaps watch this space for comments?

[Stella]

[quote=jacob;415]I know what you mean abt the festival - it can seem to be a slightly smug self congratulatory middle class event.
It would have more value IMHO if fed more in to the area such as a permanent legacy of "ordinary" "local" people getting involved in the arts, rather than being a trade show for visitors from elsewhere, which could just as well be held anywhere else.
:(:( This is utter rubbish!! You obviously haven't met Festival people or you would know they are made up of all types. Remember, creative people are not only artists, designers, sculptors, photographers, etc., but are also writers, musicians, performers, entertainers, etc. The world would be a very dull place without them and Wirksworth continues to benefit from them all - aesthetically and economically.:)

[jacob]

I know what you mean abt the festival - it can seem to be a slightly smug self congratulatory middle class event.
It would have more value IMHO if fed more in to the area such as a permanent legacy of "ordinary" "local" people getting involved in the arts, rather than being a trade show for visitors from elsewhere, which could just as well be held anywhere else.
:(:( This is utter rubbish!! You obviously haven't met Festival people or you would know they are made up of all types. Remember, creative people are not only artists, designers, sculptors, photographers, etc., but are also writers, musicians, performers, entertainers, etc. The world would be a very dull place without them and Wirksworth continues to benefit from them all - aesthetically and economically.:)I did say ""seem" rather than "is" because it is something which people say, right or wrong. You hear complaints too about local people having to pay a fee for showing their stuff.
They say similar things abt the filmsoc: "why can't we have normal films instead of B&W old french ones" etc

The world would be a very dull place without them and Wirksworth continues to benefit from them all - aesthetically and economically.
I agree.
How would you say the economic benefit works? It's not obvious.

cheers
Jacob

[BolehillBilly]

Can we afford it... Simple answer no.
Second home owners and holiday cottagers are ruining the town. They mainly are caused by the festival. Does no-one see that the residents are being pushed out. Wirksworth will turn into a seasonal village where the festival cannot exist due to seasonal tourisim not contributing to the trail. I have met many people who are either second home owners or have bought to let. All from London. Do they really expect to keep the spirit of wirksworth going, when they not only buy up properties so they can holiday without puting any money into the area. My next door neighbours will buy their shopping from london and complain about our goings on. If you want a "quiet time in the county" then go some where else!

[Erica Boulton]

You have got a 'downer' on the Festival, haven't you? You say second home owners and holiday cottagers are mainly caused by the festival - what evidence have you got for this? The people I know who were attracted to Wirksworth as a result of visiting the Festival have set up their homes here, had local builders, electricians, and plumbers to adapt/refurbish their houses.... and used many other facilities Wirksworth has to offer - such as the vets, doctors, chemists, etc.etc. They have also contributed to many of the groups Wirksworth has to offer.