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Peak carnivals hit road block
HIGH Peak's carnivals could be under threat after a change to policing policy handed responsibility for traffic management to event organisers.
Police will deal with crime and disorder at such events – but apart from a few exceptions, will no longer be involved in closing roads.
Inspector Martin Coey, from police headquarters, said: "We need to ensure organisers are maintaining a legal and safe event.
"Policing will continue, to maintain law and order, but the view from bosses is events should be able to run police-free."
Speaking at a meeting of New Mills Town Council, he said organisers would be responsible for traffic management, which would also include hiring or buying cones, sorting out road closures with the appropriate local authority.
"It is unsustainable. It is costing the force a great deal of money and taking officers away from their core responsibilities," said Inspector Coey who explained that help and advice was available for organisers from a group of specially trained officers.
Cllr Glynn Jennings expressed concern that marshals would have to stand in the road and stop traffic and that they would need the police there.
Insp Coey said: "It depends on what sort of road. It could be essential the police are there if it is a main road."
* Councillors in Hayfield feared the changes could spell the end for the annual May Queen celebrations when they were first announced.
Cllr Andrew Ramwell said: "The fact is we give the police over 200,000 a year. We don't get a village policeman. In effect we ask the police to turn out to Remembrance Day and for May Queen. We are not asking a great deal."
Cllr Val Weiteska said: "I don't think members of the public will want to take on the responsibility."
Inspector Coey at Monday's meeting gave assurances that police would still close the Hayfield by-pass for the procession as it is major road.
* Organisers of Buxton Carnival have been busy recruiting marshals to over the anticipated shortfall in policing.
Chris Simpson, Secretary of Buxton Well Dressing Festival Committee, said: "The police have had to reduce their input this year so, while we have had 30-plus police on duty in the past, there will now be just seven, and we will have to make it up with marshals.
"We have begun organising this in advance and, while it is not quite as bad as last year, we could always do with more marshals.
"We want people to come forward because by doing so it keeps the event going. We can't do it without people getting involved."
Anyone who can act as a marshal on the day is asked to contact Chris on 01298 71352.
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Weather for Buxton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
