THE decision to scrap the town party from the line-up of the Ledbury Poetry Festival is a sad loss and the reasons for that decision are even sadder still.

The over-vigorous enforcement of the on-street drinking ban by the police at last year's event did, as pointed out by festival director Dr Charles Bennett, 'seriously affect the atmosphere'.

Police opposition to a drinks licence again this year would also have made a dry party less than atmospheric. Yes, you can have fun without a drink in your hand but, in moderation, it is well known for its convivial effects!

From the police point of view, this is a public relations disaster, particularly in a town where criticism of the force and its response to crime has been most pointed over recent months.

It is imperative that the police review their approach to this event, sit down again with organisers and find a way of getting back to where we were just a couple of years ago.

From the festival's point of view, it is also a serious loss. What makes the festival special is its roots in the community, a broad event enjoyed by everyone, even those with no interest in poetry whatsoever. In this way is poetry introduced to a whole new audience.

The jazz concerts planned this year are welcome, they add breadth to the programme and bring in a different group of festival-goers. But, again, we suspect the party is the headline event for most people in Ledbury and a way must be found to bring it back.

The biggest loser is, of course, the town itself, for which the poetry festival is a wonderful advertisement.