STOCKTON Heath Walking Day will be cancelled if five more volunteers do not come forward in time for Saturday's event.

Due to a shortage of police officers being available to patrol the streets, organisers have had to 'heavily' rely on volunteers to marshal all road closures.

Around 30 volunteers have been secured but unless five more come forward, organisers will have to cancel the historic event.

Four police officers are believed to have been made available but, despite the serious concerns, last minute efforts are in place to ensure residents can turn up in their numbers for the walk.

"We need a total of 35 volunteers to marshal the roads and it is a mammoth task," said the Rev Michael Ridley, from St Thomas' Church.

"Only four police officers will be at the major junctions.

"It is down to the Government's cuts and the police just don't have enough officers to be here.

"We have made a commitment that if there are not enough marshals then it will be cancelled on Saturday morning – that would be disastrous.

"My name is on the insurance and the requirement is to have 35 people marshalling."

If enough volunteers are in place and the day goes ahead, the walk will begin at Alexandra Park.

It will see churches, schools, scouts and Brownie groups join together in praise to celebrate the theme of 'freedom'.

This year's service, which is due to start at 2pm, is being led by Canon George Browne, from St Monica's Roman Catholic Church, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary as a priest.

Following the service, the procession will set off from the park, accompanied by marching bands.

The route passes through the centre of Stockton Heath, along Ellesmere Road and back along Walton Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays on Saturday afternoon, with a number of roads to be closed, some fully and some part, from approximately 1.45pm to 4.00pm.

The roads which will be affected are Alexandra Road, Carlton Street, Chapel Lane, East Avenue, Ellesmere Road, Grappenhall Road, Heath Street, London Road, Parkgate Road, Walton Road, Walton Heath Road, Whitefield Road.

For further information or to get involved call Mr Ridley on 07891 978920.