The Plumtree Town Council has introduced new bylaws that formally recognise the rights of artists within the town, guaranteeing their freedom to practice and express themselves through their art.
The bylaws are enshrined in the Statutory Instrument 147 of 2025. [Chapter 29:15 of the Plumtree Town (Community Halls, Stadia, Parks, Gardens, Arts and Cultural Facilities) By-laws, 2025.
“The council shall recognise the rights of all artists to practice their respective forms of art and enjoy their right to freedom of expression through such mediums, consistently with the application of any other relevant law,” the by-law read in part.
Beyond affirming artistic rights, the bylaws provide a detailed framework for the management and hiring of community facilities like halls and stadia.
A key requirement is inter-departmental cooperation to ensure these multi-purpose centres are well-maintained and not double-booked.
Individuals or groups wishing to hire council facilities must submit an application with the prescribed fee at least seven days in advance.
The application must specify the required facilities, seating, and equipment.
However, the council reserves the right to refuse or cancel a booking for several reasons, including if the facility is intended for unlawful purposes, is needed by the council itself, or for other valid reasons.
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No compensation will be paid to the hirer in such cases.
The by-laws strictly state that hirers are limited to the facilities and purposes specified in their application.
A structured cancellation and refund policy has also been established.
“If a reservation is cancelled less than 14 days but more than seven days prior to the commencement date of such reservation, the hirer shall receive a 30% refund of the prescribed fee, and if a reservation is cancelled six days or less prior to the commencement date of such reservation, the hirer is not entitled to receive any refund of the prescribed fee,” read the by-laws.
“No person shall extend the period of hire of facilities without written approval to the council, provided that the facilities concerned have not been reserved for use by any other person or persons.
“The council reserves the right to refuse a postponement if the facilities have in the meantime been reserved for use by another or others on the dates to which the postponement is sought.”
Before using a facility, the hirer is required to inspect it and report any existing damage to the council.
Failure to do so will lead to the assumption that everything was in good repair upon occupation.
The council may allow different groups to use parts of a facility simultaneously, provided they share ancillary facilities like restrooms without infringing on each other’s use.
