[saf-one]

ALOT of people here seem to forget that the Lemon Tree was more than just a fukin Venue!

Bitching and moaning about how badly it was run, rubbish gigs etc. - (Its was on the up as far as I was concerned with a new programmer in place and next years gigs/events looking great.)

What some people dont realise is the place had its hands tied with years of council bureaucracy and bullshit.

Because it was part financed by the council the Lemon Tree had to be part run and manged by the council therefore meet certain rules, regulations and rubbish. From everything to its finance, having to put the bar out to tender, to mangement to health and safety - alot of crap implemented by the council which just wasn't conducive with a profitable business. - Oh and never giving them a 3am licence didnt help.


Also the council expected the Lemon tree to employ the likes of a Youth development officer etc. And run theater workshops for the disabled, youth projects, kids plays, dance shows, music workshops etc etc
ALL OF WHICH LOSE VAST AMOUNTS OF MONEY!!!!
But help Keep kids off the street, enrich disabled peoples lives, help and encourage the youngsters into music and is overall a benefit to the community as a whole.

Then the council turns round and say = "oh why you not making money?!!"

"WTF!!!!!!! Because you have implemented so much BULLSHIT, restrictions, bureaucracy, rules AND we're trying to meet the remit that its impossible to make money!!"

Its a disgrace the council has let it go under. Also the way they spun the initial story about how they offered a loan but the L tree board said no. Making them out to look like the bad guys.
It didnt mention anything of the fact they were making the volunteer board personally viable for the said 250k!