Events in doubt after resignation

A ‘PASSIONATE and dedicated’ council officer has resigned – leading to events being cancelled and others thrown into doubt.

Activities officer Holly Parker announced her resignation at this month’s general meeting of the Town Council. She leaves to take up a new role in Lincoln – organising such events as the Lincoln Christmas Market.

Future events such as the Halloween on Richmond Park and the bonfire night event at Roses Sports Ground have since been cancelled due to ‘staffing issues’.

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“It will be sad to leave Gainsborough and I just hope that the Town Council move very quickly in replacing me to continue putting these events on,” said Holly. “Action must come soon in order to increase footfall into the town.”

“I’d like to say thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who have made my two years here very happy and fulfilling and to all of the people who attended and supported these events. There are cancellations, but please support the council to ensure that Gainsborough gets more activities going on.”

Town councillor Trevor Young said that while there was a need to ensure future events go ahead, finances were a huge concern.

“We will be considering a replacement, but we are currently £80,000 overspent on our budget with a likely projection that it will increase,” he said. “Obviously there’s a large need for these activities in the town. Holly is an ambitious young person who really excelled at making Gainsborough a better place and achieving brilliant things with a relatively small budget.”

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He added: “But our decision has to be financially viable - we can’t keep increasing the demand on tax payers and we have to take a more realistic approach.”

Chair of the Riverside Festival and regular activities volunteer Tim Davies said: “Holly brought so many visitors to the town from across the district and the county and all of her events were a huge success. They will be sorely missed by the town’s people, so we sincerely hope she’s replaced so her legacy can continue.”

“It will be a very sad day for the town if any more events have to be cancelled.”