Dear John, I am only too aware of what you have just said. Unfortunately for the greedy Business men, Parks hold little opportunity to make money. As you know the Victorians made laws that have never been changed to ensure they were to be kept as Public Parks and they did indeed put a lot of money into their beliefs about education, health and fresh air away form the factories.
A Business venture could not charge anyone from entering the Park, so could not make money. Also the law has changed in that there must be Disabled Access if it is deemed safe. This has been done in the Royal Parks, and most of the Borough Parks in London, and is only right in my view. There would be nothing money wise in it for a company having to do this.
The Concerts and music events were in fact stopped at Crystal Palace as a company got the contract to hold them. However they insisted that all places that sold food in and around the Park be closed and stopped from selling food, and they were the only ones allowed to sell it! This included people bringing their own food and eating it whilst sat on the grass. They lost the case in court and the contract. You are not allowed to drink Alcohol in any Public place, unless it is permitted, like a Cafe etc that sells it. So the days of people drinking a lot in the Parks has gone, as if you are caught and you will be, the fine is quite hefty. However the cafes and restaurants, sell wine and beer etc to have with a meal.
Unfortunately it is hard to get Gardeners as well now. This goes back to the Victorian belief that Gardeners and Labour were cheap, so the money for a Gardener still goes back to that belief.
A youngster can earn more in a Burger outlet than going to college for five years and working as a Gardener!
Regards.
Neil.
