Baishaki Mela (possibly) back on after confusion reigns in Town Hall

10.36.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 16th Mar 2008

Children enjoying the Baishaki Mela in 2006

Liberal Democrats in Tower Hamlets have slammed the confusion and chaos around the Baishaki Mela. Liberal Democrat activist Mohammed Rafique commented today: "This is a fantastic and popular event celebrated by visitors from all around the world. You would have thought the Town Hall would welcome this chance to celebrate the Bengali New Year but instead they seem to have done their best to stop it happening. The leadership in the Town Hall has been very weak."

Although the picture is still unclear, it appears that a decision to ban the Mela on "health and safety grounds" was taken arbitrarily by senior Council politicians from the majority Labour group. When local people and influential restaurant owners complained about the decision, the Councillors got scared and changed their mind. It now seems the final decision will be taken at a licensing Committee meeting later this month.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, Stephanie Eaton said "The Labour group are changing their minds according to the political pressures upon them. We think they should consider the community first - not try to do favours for their friends. We welcome the Mela, it's a great event for Tower Hamlets and promotes understanding between Bangladeshi residents and other parts of our community."

Subject to gaining the appropriate licensing approval, the Mela will take place in May, 2008.