Festival future ‘not done and dusted’ (From Gazette)

Festival future ‘not done and dusted’

1:23pm Thursday 8th September 2011 in Essex County Cricket Club news By Ryan Goad

ESSEX County Cricket Club’s commercial manager Danny Macklin has insisted a decision on the future of Southend’s Cricket Festival is by no means “done and dusted.”

The Echo reported yesterday how some members of the county’s committee were recommending Paul Grayson’s side stop playing games at Garon Park.

Macklin admits a review into both the Southend and Colchester cricket festivals was taking place, but a final decision had not yet been made.

He said: “At the end of every season we carefully review every bit of our income and expenditure, whether it’s how many pens we are buying in or the cost of our overseas players. This year’s no different.

“Obviously in this tough economic climate we are reviewing our costs more than ever and that includes looking at the future viability of both the Colchester and Southend festivals.

“But there has been no decision and it is by no means done and dusted. Everything will be carefully reviewed.”

A final decision on the future of the festivals will be made by the club’s committee of 12.

They are due to sit down and discuss the matter at the end of September – “though that does not mean a decision will definitely been made then,” revealed Macklin.

“All views will be taken into consideration. We are not looking to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We know there are a lot of views involved.”