Assessment confusion sees funfair cancelled

A funfair due to visit Long Sutton at the weekend has been cancelled amid confusion over a COVID-19 risk assessment.
Long Sutton Parish Council had arranged for the James Dean Funfair to come to the town but has now been forced to cancel it at short notice.
A statement from the parish council says: “Long Sutton Parish Council has unfortunately had to cancel the visit by James Dean Funfair from 25 April due to being required by South Holland District Council to implement additional measures to the Fun Fair Covid-19 Risk Assessment and the measures the fair have in place.
“Unfortunately the council does not have the staff or means to facilitate all the additional requirements required by South Holland District Council at such short notice.
“The council is extremely disappointed to have to cancel because the fair had advised that no other district council had requested the additional measures.
“It is hoped to host the funfair at a later date when the COVID-19 restrictions are eased further.
“We will look carefully at all future events to ensure they are fully compliant and all measures are in place before use of the town parks is granted and before permission is given to advertise any event.
“Permission will be granted for use and advertisement when all relevant documents are received and approved by the council.
“We will also be setting up a committee to consider and oversee any such future event applications.”
However South Holland District Council says the COVID-19 risk assessment has not been shared with the Safety Advisory Group, which is essential before the event can go ahead.
A district council spokesman said: “The decision to postpone this weekend’s event was taken by Long Sutton Parish Council after South Holland’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) asked to see a COVID-19 risk assessment, which is currently a national requirement.
“SAG is a multi-agency partnership including representatives not just from the district council, but also police, fire and rescue, the ambulance service and Lincolnshire County Council.
“The purpose of this group is to provide specialist advice to ensure events uphold the highest standards of public safety and wellbeing.
“The group became aware of the event last week and made contact with the parish council as the event organiser to seek more information.
“The essential safety documents along with the COVID-19 risk assessment have currently not been shared with the SAG and no further measures or requirements have been requested by the group to allow the event to go ahead.”