£3,000 cost to close roads for festivals (From Warrington Guardian)

£3,000 cost to close roads for festivals

The borough council is set to levy a £3,000 road- closing charge that will put Warrington's festivals and carnivals at risk.

Organiser of Lymm's Dickensian festival Peter Critchley told the village's parish council that festivals such as his face a huge threat from the new charge.

This charge comes after police announced that they would not continue to marshal such parades.

As reported in the Warrington Guardian, some summer festivals have already been axed and major changes are expected for next year's Warrington Walking Day, because of the reduced police presence.

Indeed the Dickensian Day, which will be held on Saturday, December 13, was almost called off earlier this month.

But Mr Critchley said that the event, which attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors to the village, was saved following last minute talks with the police.

He added: "The police have been fantastic in their co-operation for this year but they are not going to do it next year.

"This will not stop us doing the event, but it means we need some help. This is difficult enough to organise without fees for closing the roads."

The new charge will be levied on groups or people wanting to close roads - and, although grants are available to claim the money back, Mr Critchley said it was a long procedure.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt told the meeting that the news worried her greatly.

She added: "I would hate to think that all these festivals are going to be put to rest. That would be disgraceful."

And Clr Ian Marks added: "The danger is that all the things that we are so proud of in Lymm, and the rest of Warrington, are going to be put to rest."

Phil Johnson, borough council assistant director of transportation, said: "We do not know what the budget position will be next year. While every effort will be made to preserve the service and support we currently offer, these additional costs could occur as a consequence of changes to the policing of the event.

"However, any costs associated with these changes are not defined."