Slough Mela cancelled over costs

Thousands of people attended the 2007 Mela event in Slough

An Asian cultural festival in Slough has been cancelled for a second year following a row over policing costs.

Slough Mela, the town's largest annual Asian festival, attracts thousands of people and was to be held on 19 July by private firm East London Festival Ltd.

Director Ray Siddique said Thames Valley Police's £31,000 charge for policing was too much for what was a one-day family event.

The force said charging was commonplace and it needed to ensure public safety.

Mr Siddique was previously involved in organising the event between 2000 and 2005.

We don't need horse-mounted police and air support for what is a family day out Ray Siddique

He told BBC News: "This is a very established event, but over the past three years there has been controversy surrounding the Slough Mela over its finances.

"We think £31,000 for one day's policing is too much. We don't need horse-mounted police and air support for what is a family day out."

He also said the force wanted full payment four weeks in advance, whereas another force he worked with regarding policing at a London Mela requested only half in advance.

He added this allowed his firm to collect revenue before paying the other half.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "It is disappointing to hear that the organiser has cancelled this year's Slough Mela.

"The level of police resources allocated is based upon a number of factors such as previous and current information, community information, previous reports of crime and criminality, and the event management plan submitted by the event organiser."

Resources for this year's event represented "the minimum deemed necessary to reassure the community, minimise crime and ensure public safety".

The event was also cancelled in 2008. The previous organiser, Complete Party Services, blamed the policing bill, road sign costs and the lack of a local authority grant for the decision to cancel.