Delight as chocolate festival is saved
RA MS BOTTOM Chocolate Festival WILL now go ahead following talks.
A meeting was held with council officers and emergency services after we reported claims last week that the Bridge Street festival was at risk of being cancelled over health and safety concerns.
Bury council denied claims by Tory councillor Rob Hodkinson that they had blocked the event from going ahead, but admitted they had voiced concerns following reported overcrowding at last year’s event, attended by up to 20,000 people.
In a statement on their Facebook page, organisers reported that the event has been saved following the meeting and could be bigger and better than ever.
They said: “Our main priority is to make the event safe and comfortable for visitors and traders, to ensure that the event is enjoyable for those who visit and that it benefits the town which hosts the event.
“The council had put forward suggestions to move the event to other venues in the borough, however we had a high level meeting with the council officers, the police and fire brigade arranged by our local councillor Robert Hodkinson, and with the support of the council and everyone at the meeting it has been agreed that the event will remain in Ramsbottom town centre.
“This is fantastic news. While we did consider and evaluate other venues the event is a Ramsbottom event it just wouldn’t be the same anywhere else.”
A council spokesman said some changes in format would be required for the event to take place.
He added: “The council and other agencies have always been and continue to be supportive of the highly successful Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival.
“Due to its growing popularity some changes in format will be required this year in order for the event to take place safely.
“A very productive joint agency meeting was held where options to address health, safety and overcrowding issues were discussed.
“Everyone understands the importance of this local event being able to continue and the council and its partners are working closely with the organisers to help achieve this.
“The event will continue to be based in the town centre and will make use of other available space to ensure a great day out in a safe environment.”
‘This is fantastic news... (the event) wouldn’t be the same anywhere else’