Walking Day postponed – for first time in 80 years

WARRINGTON Walking Day has been postponed because of the ongoing coronavirus situation – for the first time since World War 2
The borough council, in discussion with senior church representatives, has taken the decision to postpone the event, which was due to take place on Friday July 3. to protect the public and to ensure council resources can be dedicated to maintaining essential services.
Council leader Russ Bowden, said: “A huge amount of planning and organising goes into Walking Day, and this takes a great deal of officer time and resource. That is time and resource that we need to spend on keeping our essential services running and protecting our most vulnerable people.
“We know how much Walking Day means to local people, to our schools and to our churches, as one of the key events in our annual civic calendar. However, with the current crisis we are all facing, we have no other choice other than to postpone the event.”
The council has liaised with local churches to agree the decision to postpone and will provide further updates to people about the event in the future.
Arnold Wright, from St Elphin’s Parish Church, who is the Walking Day churches representative, said: “This follows the latest restrictions and advice from government around the Coronavirus risk to the public. The health and safety of the public and all those who support Walking Day is the most important thing at this time.
“Warrington Walking Day has taken place for many years and brings together young and old. It has only ever been cancelled once before and that was due to the Second World War. It is very disappointing, but we feel this is the correct decision.”
For the latest information on coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus