Melly memorial plans are in doubt

George Melly was known for his flamboyant suits and oversize hats

Plans for a memorial to veteran singer George Melly in a town which is home to an annual jazz festival are hanging in the balance.

Proposals to erect a plaque or statue in Brecon, Powys, were announced last summer following Melly's death aged 80.

But the idea appears to be in doubt with neither the festival or the town council accepting responsibility for the project.

Melly was a regular at the jazz event and was one of its founding patrons.

He also opened the first festival 25 years ago, but he was known as much for his flamboyant suits, oversize hats and Havana cigars as he was for his jazz singing.

Following his death last July, festival director Jim Smith announced plans for a statue or plaque in memory of the performer, whom he described as a "great friend" of the event.

George Melly appeared regularly at the festival

But on Friday Mr Smith said the project had been handed over to the town council.

However, Brecon's mayor Rosemary Evans said the plans had been handed back to the festival.

Mr Smith said: "Brecon jazz handed the plans to the town council, but I have not heard anything about the memorial since.

"I understand plans might not be going ahead because they cost too much, but I'm going to re-introduce the idea at some point."

He added that there were no plans at the moment to hold a collection for the memorial at this year's festival.

Brecon mayor Mrs Evans said she was unsure if a memorial would be erected.

"As far as I'm aware plans for the memorial were handed back to Brecon jazz to sort out," she added.

"We thought it wasn't fair on the ratepayers of Brecon to fund this."

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