WAG showing reckless bad faith on Wales Rally GB - Randerson

1.17.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Aug 2009

The Wales Rally GB brings thousands of visitors to urban and Rural Wales

Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Economy Minister Jenny Randerson AM has hit out at the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government after it has emerged they have backed down on a verbal agreement to provide reduced funding for Wales Rally GB.

According to reports from Wales Rally GB, just one month ago, they shook hands with the Welsh Assembly Government on a deal which would have safeguarded the future of the event, providing full funding for this year and reducing the amount given in subsequent years. But when contracts were due to be signed, WAG officials began to try to re-negotiate the deal and now have walked away from a deal altogether.

The latest news will spark considerable anger, particularly as the Government's original reason for removing their funding was because the event was no longer due to be part of the World Rally Championship, but this situation has now been resolved and the event will now be listed as an official stage. Cardiff Council is fully committed to the event so WAG is alone in sabotaging the staging.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "The Labour-Plaid Government are risking everything with their irresponsible behaviour. They are risking the future of a great Welsh event, and they are risking hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money in legal costs. You can't commit to something and then walk away. People will be asking what on earth they are playing at.

"In my view they are now clearly in breach of their contract and the resulting legal action will cost more than funding the rally in the first place. It is also highly likely that after this year, the whole future of Wales Rally GB is in serious danger.

"It is clear that the message from the Welsh Assembly Government is that the event is no longer welcome in Wales. I know that the Ryder Cup is costing the sports budget an awful lot of money, but Wales Rally GB is an annual event which can't be abandoned when a contract is in place.

"Not only is this a shame for motor-sport fans, it is very damaging economically, particularly at a time when the extra tourists that Wales Rally brings to Wales are desperately needed. This sad series of events sends the message to other organizations that WAG cannot be trusted to support events in the long term."

Ends.