CONCERNS have been raised over the arrangement of celebrations for the QueenÕs golden jubilee set to take place at the Heath in Petersfield.

At a meeting of the town councilÕs grounds committee last Thursday (February 14) councillors were asked to give the jubilee committee permission to use locations including the Heath, the Heath pond and the Avenue playing fields.

Councillors were keen to support the principle of the plans but voiced fears over how the events would affect the councilÕs land.

John Crowhurst said: ÒI donÕt think we should have any opposition to these celebrations. After all, these celebrations are not likely to occur again in the history of the country.

ÒBut I am concerned about the prospect of welcoming a large number of people onto the Heath over two days.

ÒI think we should ask the committee to have discussions with the Friends of the Heath, the cricket club and the angling club. The nursery should also be consulted because I think their car park will be used during this time.

ÒThe jubilee committee should be in discussion with all these groups because they are our licensees and our tenants.Ó

Mr Crowhurst also raised concerns about the provision of toilet facilities and bins on the site. He said the existing facilities would not be sufficient.

He said the council should make sure that the agreement with the jubilee committee contained a condition to assure that the land is restored to the required state after the event.

Town clerk Barbara Macken pointed out that the organisers of the events will have to seek approval from East Hampshire District Council. She assured councillors that EHDCÕs rules and regulations would be stringent.

Brian Dutton gave his backing to the jubilee celebrations committee and urged councillors to let the organisers Òdeal with the obstacles as they ariseÓ.

He said: ÒIn principle I would agree and encourage the Heath to be used for the event. I hope the plans come to fruition and are enjoyed by many people of all ages.Ó

He suggested that a recommendation of free use of the Heath for golden jubilee celebrations should be put to the finance and general purposes committee.

A letter asking for more detailed arrangements and a full programme of events will also be sent to the jubilee committee.