4:00pm Sunday 8th February 2009
By Anwen Humfrey
Cardigan Chamber of Commerce has decided to pull out of the Big Art Project, but co-ordinators Safle still plan to stick with the scheme.
Chairman Paul Oakley asked board members to decide whether to continue their involvement with the project, and directors voted unanimously to pull out last week.
The chamber had been negotiating a contract with the project’s co-ordinators, Safle, for the maintenance of the controversial installation of 127 white buoys on the Teifi.
Mr Oakley said: “After a great amount of consideration, I came to the opinion that I could no longer support the project in its present form, due to a number of internal management factors, as well as the apparent consensus in the town against it.”
He added: “On a personal note, I have long championed the cause for Big Art and still believe fervently in the Big Art for Cardigan.
“The kudos of this venture in our little town would be second to none and my respect for the chosen artist is great.
“I felt I had to withdraw my own support for the project in its present form as I was not happy with the way the project was being managed and the situation had become untenable.”
After its vote, the chamber issued a statement: “The decision not to continue with our involvement with this project was unanimous, although for many of us it was made with much regret, as we felt the work had great potential for Cardigan.
“The chamber is a business organisation and we feel the need to concentrate on our core concerns of supporting and developing local business.
“We felt that taking on the maintenance of this project would divert us from that, even though the project would bring additional tourism business should it still be realised.
“It is possible that the project will continue without the involvement of the chamber and if it does, we wish it every success.”
Safle has since indicated it intends to continue with the project.
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