Street parties are being held across Cheshire East to celebrate the royal wedding, but residents are being reminded that help to run similar outdoor events is available all year round.
A new website has been launched by the Events Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) which aims to simplify and streamline the process of organising community events.
The ESAG comprises officers from Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service. Previously, organisers needed to contact all of these organisations individually.
The new website is designed to offer a one-stop approach where organisers can access the advice and guidance they need free of charge, with the Council as the sole point of contact. Advice is available on medical provision, environmental health, road closures, licensing, fire safety and emergency planning.
The ESAG is regularly involved in events such as the Cheshire Show and the RHS Show at Tatton Park, as well as summer concerts and cycling races.
Consumer Protection and Investigations Manager Kay Roberts said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to organise both community and larger scale events.
"This new website really simplifies the process and aims to dispel some of the myths that have arisen around councils and red tape. I would encourage anyone thinking or running an outdoor event to log on and see what help and advice we can provide."
If you are planning a street party or event to celebrate the Royal Wedding please do let us know and send your photos to [email protected].
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Sept 2010 they said 'Cheshire East Council has wholeheartedly backed a government decision to axe red tape that gets in the way of communities organising street parties and other celebrations.'
It is just plain stupid to ask people organising street parties to read a 12 page report and go through all the extra red tape such as Public Liability Insurance required by Cheshire East, its jelly and ice-cream on trestle tables and possibly some bunting, for heaven's sake not shutting a motorway! Central Government guidance says the council is not required to insist on insurance or anywhere near the vast amount of red-tape required by Cheshire East for a street party.
I complained about the amount of red-tape a few weeks ago and they have responded by layering more red-tape and now require the predictable 'risk assessment' see below for a small extract from the Event Organisers Guide 2011.
'to make an application to hold the event within acceptable time limits (usually a minimum of 3 months) obtain all the necessary licenses prior to the event have adequate public liability insurance to cover the period of the event (see Other Essential Things to Consider) attend planning meetings if required submit a Risk Assessment for the event complete a Fire Risk Assessment which must focus on the fire safety of all relevant persons and pay particular attention to those at special risk such as disabled, those known to have special needs and children. appoint an event safety officer who can demonstrate competency throughout the planning phase and during the actual event provide site plans indicating all relevant details provide all other relevant information including an Event Safety Management Plan.....'