Mela gets go ahead after legal verdict

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Residents may still prevent the event happening

The London Mela looks set go ahead on August 13th following the decision to grant a licence enabling the event to be held.

However many residents expressed their disappointment with their decision and have decided to appeal against the decision to local magistrates.

The problems started when notices appeared saying that park operators CiP were applying for a licence that would enable them to host a variety of events in the park. If successful, the licence would have granted organisers the right to hold an unlimited number of events in the park, finishing as late as midnight.

The licensing office received around 100 letters of objection. This spurred CiP, under pressure from local councillors, to amend the licence. The meeting heard that CiP was now seeking a licence solely for the day of the Mela, between midday and 9.30pm.

However this amendment still met with opposition. Many residents spoke out against what they saw as a total lack of consultation, and stated that the Melas was a victim of its own success and should go elsewhere. Many residents expressed their anger, although the meeting never threatened to get out of hand.

The licensing panel were particularly struck by one objector who pointed out the legal necessity to put Notices at every 50m around the park giving notice of the application. It was claimed that this had not been done, and evidence from the licensing office was not conclusive.

However, legal advice was taken which decided that the consultation was valid and the event should go ahead.

July 31 2006