Maypole madness
Villagers’ tribute to ancient tradition falls victim to red tape... after one complaint
FOR hundreds of years, nothing stopped the villagers of Bream from enjoying their May Day celebrations.
Morris men from across the Forest of Dean came to dance around the 50ft maypole in a tradition dating back to the 17th century.
But now a new maypole has been torn down as a result of 21stcentury red tape, with council bureaucrats claiming it could breach planning permission rules.
Bream’s original maypole stood in the middle of a junction from the 1600s until 1925, when it was removed to pave the way for cars.
The Gloucestershire village then used temporary poles – until this year, when a permanent replacement was put up in the garden of the village’s 15th-century pub. It was carved from a Douglas fir tree and painted by members of the village’s gardening society.
The pole had been used as a oneoff for last year’s May Day celebrations, but proved so popular with families that it was erected on a permanent basis last month. Locals had hoped it would remain in place for centuries to come.
But within days, it was taken down by officials from Forest of Dean Council – after a single complaint about the maypole requiring planning permission.
The unidentified complainant said it could be deemed an eyesore because it stands in front of the Grade II-listed New Inn pub.
Yesterday, the local authority said its ‘planning enforcement team’ was reviewing the situation and stressed that a final decision was yet to be made.
Bill Parker, owner of the pub, organised a ‘dance of defiance’ protest around the maypole on May 1, days before it was taken down.
Yesterday he said: ‘I understand it’s the council’s job to investigate. But it’s sad that one complaint can put at risk such a longstanding tradition.
‘ The council say I should have had planning permission and listed building consent. This is the traditional maypole area in the old part of the village. The original maypole was sited just yards away … a Maypole Cottage is just over the road, and the Maypole estate nearby.
‘I’m hoping I can get everyone on-side and put it up again. If necessary, I’ll apply for planning permission … whatever happens, I’ll be putting the maypole back up in time for next year’s May Day. These celebrations are here to stay, and next year’s will be even bigger.’
Forest of Dean morris squire Stuart Cox said: ‘There aren’t many maypoles left and this maypole should be allowed to remain. It’s great fun, it’s colourful and keeps the old traditions going. I don’t see how anyone can complain.’
Margaret Kidby, of the Bream Gardening Society, whose members painted the maypole, said: ‘It would be a real shame if it had to go after so many people have worked so hard to put it up again.
‘ It’s attractive and dancing around the maypole on May Day is a wonderful tradition, which is worth keeping.’
‘There aren’t many left’