Colcestrians had their collective pocket picked for £28million and are told to let the thief go on taking £1.2million a year of public money for the Visual Arts Facility (Vaf).
Colchester Council was repeatedly urged to renegotiate the onerous Arts Council conditions, but refused to listen, so guaranteeing the financial failure of the Vaf.
The Arts Council insists entrance must be free and the Firstsite art group must run this art gallery.
Firstsite’s charitable objects require all activities to be art related, restricting the revenue potential. I understand the Health and Safety Executive has been told of the risks to the public from surrounding land.
I was told a complaint to the Charity Commission regarding Firstsite’s charitable objects has been sent. Neither the fashion show next Thursday, nor the NSPCC ball on November 12 seem acceptable on these grounds. I deeply regret seeing Colchester Council deliberately destroy itself over the Vaf. It will pay a high price for its secrecy, hypocrisy and misinformation.
Andy Hamilton
Acland Avenue
Colchester
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