Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 12:37pm

Fresh funding fears for Dunfermline Children's Gala

by Graham Gibson

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DUNFERMLINE Children's Gala is facing an entertainment crisis as it is still without £16,000 confirmed funding from Fife Council 14 weeks before the event takes place.

Chair of the gala committee, Liane Horder, told the Press they risk losing their annual performers unless the council commit to providing the same funding as last year.

The Press reported last month that the committee was struggling to reach the £45,000 funding they require and desperately need the local authority to help make up the shortfall.

The committee have also had to cancel a ceilidh fund-raiser planned for the Glen Pavilion this Saturday after only 80 tickets were sold.

Liane said, "Time is running out and we need confirmation.

"It's already too late to get things like hats for the kids.

"If we don't have the money we can't buy the stuff we normally give out.

"The entertainers are coming back and asking, as we've traditionally booked them, do you want us as they've got other offers.

"We try hard not to give them a deposit, as we could lose it if we don't take them, so we're having to say we have no confirmation of the money.

"We keep having meetings about it but we need confirmation in September or October, not 14 weeks before the gala.

"Not hearing about funding until the 11th hour is just not good enough."

When contacted by the Press, chair of the City of Dunfermline area committee Councillor Joe Rosiejak claimed he was set to meet Mrs Horder last night (Wednesday) to discuss the matter.

However, Liane stated she had no knowledge of any intended meeting and was still in the dark about when she would hear about any proposed funding.