LibDem Leader asks... Where's the Party, Ken?

2.16.52pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Nov 2004

LibDem Leader Chris Maines is asking Ken Livingstone why there aren't any plans for a New Year Party in London

With less than six weeks to Hogmanay Bromley Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Chris Maines is asking Mayor Livingstone "Where's the Party?".

"At midnight on 31st December the eyes of the world will be on Big Ben and London to see the chimes ring in 2005. " says Cllr Maines, "And yet once again the Mayor has failed to respond to the demand for a safe and properly organised event."

"Each year it is the same story, every capital city in the western world ensures there is a properly organised event except London." claims Cllr Maines, "inevitably hordes of revellers will arrive in Trafalgar Square which will take the authorities by surprise. The rest of us have know that New Years Eve will be on the 31st December, why doesn't Ken Livingstone? "

The Liberal Democrats on the Greater London Assembly have been urging the Mayor to find sponsorship for an organised event in Central London. With less than six weeks until the year-end it is now unlikely the Mayor will be able to publicise an event that has police and health and safety officers approval.

Cllr Chris Maines says, "I favour a free but all ticket event in Trafalgar Square or a Royal Park. The Mayor should have been planning a celebration for months. London is a major tourist centre that attracts both for people from within the UK and from abroad. Not to mention the millions of Londoners who enjoy a "knees-up".

"My fear is that there will be a major incident because of the shambles," added Cllr Maines, "we need to ensure there are safe and controlled celebrations that can be enjoyed by Londoners and our visitors."