Event Industry News

New policing policy could make some events unfeasible

ORGANISERS of carnivals and festivals fear a new policing policy could sound the death knell for their events.

Derbyshire Constabulary has decided to stop marshalling traffic at events and has warned organisers they could face hefty charges if police officers are called.

Organisers say the added expense could make the future laying on of such events unfeasible as they are already stretched financially.

Eric Lancashire, who leads the organisation of the Horsley Woodhouse Carnival, said: “This could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“We all pay council tax to the police for the service and part of that service is ensuring the public safety. We have marching bands in the street at our carnival and they need to be protected.

“This may be feasible for a borough or county council to pay, but for voluntary organisations like ourselves, costs are already mounting.

“It is quite wrong for community organisations to have to meet these costs. It could be the death knell if there is another cost to meet.”

Wirksworth Carnival organiser Chris Booth said the move was a major blow to fundraising events such as his.

Mr Booth explained: “It’s a worry that it will put a drain on resources and take away from the money that will be given to local organisations.

“It will put some of the smaller events off, I think, which is a real shame as carnivals are a big Derbyshire tradition and help raise money for good causes.”

Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed its policy had recently changed, saying the move made sense as it is now down to organisers to close roads and not the police.

A spokesman for the force said: “The change is due to the fact that organisers now have to sort out any necessary road closures when planning events.

“The police have no powers to close roads and event organisers have to apply to the council for a licence to do so.

“Event organisers should therefore arrange for marshals to manage traffic.

“We are also telling the organisers of all events that if they do request police assistance there is potential for full-cost recovery that could attract charges of up to £50 per hour for staff from next year.

“Event organisers can be assured that if there are any reports of disturbances or anti-social behaviour at their event, we will answer such calls for service.”

Source: Ripley & Heanor

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