Problems with Convention

[Guest]

To all who live in Keswick

We have probably all had some grief this year as a result of the Convention taking place in Keswick. We had 3 weeks of mayhem in July and then another week in August. There have been problems of noise in normally quiet residential areas, jaywalking and of parking in stupid (and dangerous) places. The residents of Keswick and loyal holidaymakers have suffered enough. This does not only affect the residents around the convention sites but all over the town. Why was it almost impossible to drive along Briar Rigg when the convention was on? Because of all those conventioners' cars parked out there so they did not have to pay for parking.

This used to be something that took place over just 2 weeks. It was a real nuisance and caused problems for residents and visitors but was soon over. Three weeks as seen last year was too much - but the 4 weeks this year has been more than a week too far.

There is a public meeting at the Rugby Club on Tuesday 2nd September at 7pm. to discuss the problems and concerns. Please come along so that everyones' views can be heard. We don't have to suffer this every year.

[Gill]

I wonder how many residents in Keswick work in the tourism business? Quite alot I'd imagine.... The convention brings thousands of tourists each year, and of those who visit the convention many come back during other less popular times (bringing plenty of spending money with them).... I remember it wasnt so long ago that when foot and mouth hit, the majority of residents where crying out for visitors, many companies went out of business..... I'm not in favour of the mass no.s of cars in Keswick during the convention but I appreciate what the convention organisors have done to ease the problem......

[Guest]

I heard about the meeting on Radio Cumbria this morning and one of my staff told me about this website.

While it is true that Convention does bring people into Keswick one should ask how many are actually staying in the town and how many just drive in for the day to go to the meetings. As Convention is held at peak holiday times then Keswick would probably be full of visitors in any case, not only visitng for the day but spending holiday time here in the hotels and B&Bs.

Keswick town centre caters for those traditional visitors who are here to enjoy not just the town but the beautiful and challenging landscape that we love and enjoy. Much of Keswick retailing caters for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, climbing or biking with with an excellent choice of outdoor and activity clothing, equipment and accessories. For the more traditional holiday visitor there are the craft shops and galleries, bric-a-brac shops and so on. The people who come for convention are of a different profile and may not use such shops. They may spend in the cafes and tea shops however, but these generally enjoy a good trade in the Summer months in any case.

There is a twofold effect of Convention on retailing in Keswick. A different spending pattern and the loss of available parking for our more usual visitors who enjoy the experience shopping here.

I would not stop the Convention, merely move it to a different time of the year, such as April or early October.

[Gill]

Trying to get accommodation in Keswick during the convention is impossible if you havent pre booked as confirmed by the Moot Hall this year, the weeks after the convention I have found there to be plently of accommodation to choose from. If you went to one of the meetings you would see the majority of people there are not the average suit wearing church crowd but are mostly kitted out in their outdoor clothes (especially rain jackets! ) Yes I agree it is peak session and yes it must be frustrating for residents but it is a holiday town after all.... The reason why people go to the Keswick convention is yes to hear the fantastic news of the Bible but also the location, so they are able to go to the Lakes and climb the Fells and go to a meeting as well. I'm positive the convention committee will take on board the residents concerns and hopefully there will be a compromise on both sides.....

[Guest]

An update on the meeting, to which my wife went. About 60 people turned up by nobody from the convention bothered. Town councillors and local residents were there. Complaints were aired and discussed in an orderly manner. The conclusion is that we all want there to be less noise from the convention which annoys not only near neighbours who can't get their children to sleep until well after the evening sessions have finished, but also others who live further away who are botherd by the amplified snoise. We also want it to be reduced from 3 weeks to the 2 weeks that it had been until recently, and for there to be no 4th weeks like there was this year at a peak holiday time.

As for accommodation there was plenty to be had in the area for the first week of convention, but very little for the second week and for the rest of August, because of people coming for normal holidays.

[Guest]

You forgot to mention that we want their two weeks moved away from school holidays and for them to look at moving their meeting tent right out of the town.

[Guest]

All these points and more are to be discussed at a meeting with Convention organisers next month.

[Guest]

Well it seems that notice has been taken of last year's worries. This year the meetings are to start earlier in the evenings and there is to be a 10pm curfew. Professionals are to be brought in to manage the amplification systems and Allerdale council are to monitor noise levels.

Mostly good news. The earlier start will cause some problems for those guest houses that do evening meals for convention visitors, but at least the conventioners will have time to get to the town centre pubs before closing time. :lol: