LIGHTS GET GO-AHEAD
But do a test first and take a mask, say switch-on organisers
VISITORS to a Christmas lights switch-on event - which usually attracts crowds of up to 14,000 are being urged to take a covid test and wear masks in crowded areas.
The plea comes after councillors voted to go ahead with next month’s event in Lee but to cancel the street parade.
They also agreed to spread the activities across the town to try to avoid overcrowding, and to make the event smaller.
In a joint statement, councillors Matt Swindlehurst, chairman of the events committee, and Roy Molson, who co-ordinates stewarding, said: “We will be running a smaller event than previously. There will be no parade, and the small community gazebos will all be situated in the Market Place.”
The council hopes to have live entertainment in Sparrow Park from about 4.30pm on. A funfair will also be setting up in the car park in High Street.
The councillors added: “We want everyone attending to have a safe, enjoyable time. We would encourage people to take a lateral flow test in the 24 to 48 hours preceding the event, and would advise the wearing of masks in shops and very crowded areas. And, of course, the lights will go on.”
Councillor Brian Johnson said he had mixed views on staging the event. He said: “Before covid we were in a situation that was becoming dangerous. There were 12,000 to 14,000 people in the town on a Friday night.
“There was not enough control of what was going on. It would be extremely dangerous to stage the event. It is great for traders, and great for the people who come to the event, but we have no police presence now.
“In my opinion, it would be irresponsible to go ahead as we have in the past.”
Councillor Stephen Wales said: “There can’t be a parade. The activities should be spread out to allow people to spread out in the fresh air. Sometimes you can’t move in any direction.”
Councillor Mike Worthington said the procession should be scrapped.
“Covid is on the increase,” he said. “We should not put people at risk. The event should go ahead but we should scrap the procession.”
Town mayor Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst said the size of the event worried her.
She said: “The parade forces people to one side of the street. We are taking responsibility for people. If we got a spread of the virus in Leek it would be difficult to deal with, but we do want to rebuild the town.”
Councillor Sue Coleman said: “It is scary. We can’t control the crowd, but we are outside. The activities should be spread around the town.”
Councillor Bill Cawley said covid would be around for a long time.
He said: “The risk of spread reduces outside. Over the last few weeks there have been events with more risks.”