A Teddy Bears picnic protest rally organised by residents opposing Warrington Borough Council’s Central 6 low traffic schemes is moving venue following a request from the council.
It had been scheduled to take place at the town hall on Sunday (August 14) but clashes with the Mela taking place in the town centre.
Organiser Rachael Harper said: “Our family event for the Warrington residents against the Central 6 street plan campaign; the teddy bears protest picnic, encountered a first earlier last week when we received a request directly from the council.
“We had invited the mayor of Warrington to the event along with councillors as a gesture of community spirit, but unfortunately they have prior commitments.
“This is how the council found out about our event and were concerned that it was set to take place outside the town hall at the same time as the Warrington Mela in Palmyra square. They raised the issue of parking and public toilet facilities having to be shared with the event considering they are expecting hundreds of people. I must admit when we set the date for this event we had no idea it clashed with the Warrington Mela as that’s something I was hoping to (and still am) attend myself.
“After some respectful conversations between myself and the council we looked at either moving the date and using the same location or relocating to Victoria park with increased toilet facilities and more access to parking. Given the fact this is a family protest event, increased access to facilities is obviously favourable, especially with people bringing young children.
“Therefore, we have on this occasion decided to move the teddy bears protest picnic to Victoria park. We want to stress that this shows we are willing to work with the council by making a compromise, but there will be no more compromises unless they prove to us that they are taking our concerns and feedback from residents on this scheme seriously.
Rachael added: “We’re really excited for this event and many of us are bringing our kids for the first time. We will have music, Number 6 Bingo, 6 Wacky Races, a skit, competitions and more.
“Our campaign team remains committed to opposing these street plans peacefully because we don’t think they are in the best interests of residents. The question remains is if the council are willing to meet us halfway or if they are merely expecting us to keep rolling over until we are long gone. If it’s the latter they are going to be left disappointed. We’ve done our bit, now it’s their turn.”
The Teddy Bears Protest Picnic will take place at Victoria Park on the 14th August at 1pm. For further information visit the campaign Facebook group or website.
