in calling for a major venue for music on the Island.

Mr. John Simmons and Mr. Glenn Blakeney have called on Government to find a permanent venue for both local and visiting acts.

The two men were at loggerheads last year when Devonshire Colts erected a huge tent and hosted concerts involving rising stars in the reggae and rap world.

And that row could erupt again as, Colts executive member, Mr. Blakeney says the team has not yet decided whether to repeat last year's use of Frog Lane Field as a venue.

The main objector to the tent-venue, Mr. Simmons, has asked Government to find an alternative before the controversy is rekindled.

He said: "I am appealing for Government to utilise Dockyard and other non-residential areas more.

"The Government are the landlords at Frog Lane and they should stop events that drive local families from their homes, like they did last year.

"History speaks for itself. Some people have already contacted the Police because they fear it will mean chaos again.

"Surely the organisers realise what a bad venue this is. There is no parking and few facilities even when the tent is up. They broke almost every time limit set.

"I heard that promoters of one concert had to give away thousands of dollars worth of tickets to persuade local people to accept the concert. Some people even complained after that.'' Police have confirmed that there were a number of complaints over concerts because of noise and general disruption last summer.

Mr. Simmons said: "Many of the concerts were cancelled. How can they call this a success?'' He believes Government should use the Naval Annex at Southampton or make more use of Dockyard. He said: "Everywhere concerts have been held near to residential areas there have been complaints. Something has to be done.'' Another argument, he made, is that Devon Lane School's summer programme has no playing area for children because of the tent on Frog Lane Field.

Mr. Blakeney said the Colts' executive has not yet met to decided whether the tent will be erected this year. However he admitted he is in favour of its further use because it boosted the club's revenue.

He said: "It also gave us the opportunity to provide young people with top stars of reggae.'' In summer Mad Cobra and Beresford Hammond appeared at Frog Lane, a major Isaac Hayes and Public Enemy concert was cancelled at the last minute.

But Mr. Blakeney backed Mr. Simmons call for a major venue. He said: "I think its incumbent on the Bermuda Government to have a facility for the performing arts, especially for music.'' He said the Government should realise that music all over the world had broken down barriers and helped equality and would also be a good economic revenue earner for the Island.

But he added that even if the Government provides a facility for music Colts may still decide to offer a venue for concerts at Frog Lane Field.