Cost of road closures putting village events at risk

NEW policies being imposed by the Police and Warrington Council are putting events and festivals in Lymm at risk.

Members of Lymm Parish council had to step in at the eleventh hour to help foot the bill for the ancient Rushbearing Festival which is set to take place this Sunday, August 9.

The event stems from a local “wakes week” which took place in Lymm as early as 1817 when Morris dancing was part of the tradition, with the origins dating back further to medieval times.

Organiser Chris Limb, who has been involved in organising the event for many years, was shocked to suddenly be told it would cost £1,500 to stage an event which lasts less than an hour.

But members of the Parish council agreed to help cover the costs but local councillor Ian Marks says future events in the village are now under threat. The costs cover road closures, traffic  marshals and legal fees on event organisers.

Cllr Marks said,”We have seen these costs coming for several years but the recent decisions at short notice to impose them has brought matters to a head.

“We need an urgent meeting between the Parish Council, the organisers of the Duck Race, May Queen, Foodfest, Rushbearing, Dickensian and Carols round The Cross together with officers from Warrington Council and the Police.

“We are extremely fortunate in having all these events and they greatly add to the vibrancy of our village. They also have a strong economic benefit to thearea. It would be a great shame if any of them had to stop. If one didn’t take place, it could be very difficult to start it up again.

“The costs being imposed on us are unbelievably high. I have never understood why it costs so much for a public notice in a newspaper. There must be more cost effective ways. Training up our own village traffic marshals is another possible solution so we don’t have to pay an outside company. £1200 may be alright for a larger organisation with funds but certainly not for a small one like Rushbearing which has no money.

“We need to meet urgently to agree some fair ground rules before it is too late.”

Commenting on this year’s Rushbearing event Mr Limb said: “This year’s event appeared to be under threat following the decision of Warrington BC to direct that road closures were necessary together with accompanying costs of commercial traffic management.

“The initial costs indicated were substantial and in the region of £1500 or more. Following notable communications involving both myself and various Lymm Parish councillors the fees have been reduced and the Parish council has agreed to pay them.

“The procession route will however be more limited than in previous years and go from the Village Hall to St Marys church via Rectory Lane rather than up Eagle Brow, Brookfield Road and Church Road – and will involve road closures.

“It appears that despite the festival having been revived more than 40 years ago and having been attended not only by local people and organisations but also by the Warrington Mayor in most years, and despite being reported in the local press, the Highways department and Event Advisory Group at
Warrington BC only knew of its existence about three weeks before the event was due to take place.

“The timing as well as the substance of the decision has caused immense problems.

“As organiser of the event for most of the time since its revival I am extremely grateful to the Lymm Parish Council for their support in ensuring that this traditional festival has been able to continue.

“It dates from medieval times and we are one of only a small number of communities to continue the tradition. It is an example of what gives a community its sense of identity. For many years it has run without fees and upon the goodwill of all those taking part – and without any complaints.”