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Information for local residents regarding events in 2009

Dear Local Resident,

EVENTS IN HEATON PARK - 2009

I am writing to give you some information about events taking place in Heaton Park in 2009, and to reassure you that every effort will be made to minimise any inconvenience that may arise from the increase in traffic and noise resulting from the events.

Events that we have confirmed so far, including Race for Life and a  large music concert over 3 days that will feature the band Oasis.  As you live close to the park you will know that these events attract a large number of people and that a significant amount of traffic will be generated.  Heaton Park staff work closely with the event organisers, the Greater Manchester Police and Health & Safety Officers to make sure that all large events are well managed, safe and enjoyable, and that they cause the least disruption possible to local residents.

We also have several drama productions taking place and sponsored walks/runs. Tickets are now on sale for The Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare's Globe Touring from 23rd to 28th June.

So far no other large events like Oasis concert or the Race for Life are taking place.  However, Heaton Park is an attractive event location because of its size and position, and we are regularly approached by organisers wanting to use the park for events. 

Oasis Concert - 4th, 6th & 7th June

The major headline artists include Oasis, Kasabian and The Enemy, this ticketed event will take place on the papal field and will attract a higher than usual number of visitors to the park over this period.

The impact on the local community of staging these concerts has been at the forefront of the planning process to date and that control measures far in excess of anything put into place for previous events at Heaton Park will be implemented.

An Event Management Plan that focuses on all aspects of the event incorporating strategies for the management of the access and exiting of visitors to the park venue and measures to reduce any level of anti-social behaviour will be in place.

Alongside this, robust noise control mechanisms will be put in place and monitored by both the organisers and Environmental Health officials so the noise from music and associated sources (such as amplified voices) will not be audible to such an extent that it constitues a nuisance at any noise sensitive properties - specifically residential properties. A curfew of 23:00 will be set for the concerts - with the anticipated end of the live event programmed to be earlier than this.

The plan will incorporate a park and ride scheme with a shuttle bus service to accommodate in the region of 8,000 cars away from the park area, an increased bus and metrolink service offer to encourage people to utilise public transport, as well as traffic and parking control measures to be implemented and co-ordinated between the Councils of Manchester, Rochdale and Bury, to maintain as far as possible normal transport provision in the area and to reduce the impact on residents.

The event organisers - with the support and input of all key agencies including Manchester City Council, Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the North West Ambulance Service and GMPTE - will put in place measures within the Event Management Plan to address issues outside of the event arena. 

We will be holding the following surgeries at Heaton Park, which I invite you to attend, to answer any specific questions that you may have:

•·        Tuesday, 5th May from15:00-19:00hrs at Heaton Park Bowls Complex (St Margaret's Rd entrance)

•·        Wednesday, 6th May from 15:00-19:00hrs at Parkside Training Centre (Sheepfoot Lane)

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any more information.

Yours faithfully,

 

Graham Wightman  (General Manager, Heaton Park)