It seems a rare degree of political harmony has broken out at Maidstone council with both the Tory and Lib Dem groups agreeing on one thing - the need for the Maidstone Mela to return to Mote Park.

In recent years, the Mela has taken place at Whatman Park after council officers booked more lucrative fee-paying events into Mote Park.

But with 3,000 people attending the Mela in July, Councillors now feel it is time for a re-think.

Cllr Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem) appeared on stage at this year's Mela to speak to the audience about the importance of the event.

Afterwards, he said: "The Mela is now so popular that the Whatman Park location just isn’t suitable, with difficult access especially for stallholders, and a general lack of facilities, especially toilets.

"The Mela, which gives an important boost to Maidstone’s economy, used to be held at Mote Park, where up to 10,000 visitors would attend.

"Many other major events are hosted in Mote Park and this is the obvious setting.

"The Liberal Democrat group feel this event should show Maidstone at its very best and is therefore campaigning for the Mela’s return to Mote Park, and for the event to be held across a two-day weekend, to really showcase Maidstone’s diverse and vibrant culture.”

Meanwhile, the Conservative group have tabled a motion to Cllr Mortimer asking that he put the return of the Mela to Mote Park on the agenda for the next meeting of the Communities, Housing and Environment committee, which Cllr Mortimer chairs.

Cllr Dan Rose (Con) said: "Maidstone Mela appears to have been a success this year with much enjoyment of the themes and messaging around the event had by those who were able to attend.

"There is however a clear issue with the current location which restricts access for the wider community.

"There is a distinct lack of available parking at Whatman Park with member-only parking on the small fitness centre car-park now strictly enforced.

"There is also a further requirement for many residents to navigate the town centre in order to reach the park.

"Indeed, vehicular access is limited by height restrictions on the railway bridge which makes participation harder for those seeking to run stalls etc.

"It is self-evident that maximising the ease of attendance is critical to both the aims of the Mela as a positive force for community inclusion and to its overall sustainability and viability.

"To this end, I would propose that we now look at making Mote Park available for next year’s Mela."

The decision is likely to be taken at the committee's September meeting.

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