and gala plans

dashed at

last minute

THE walks have been cancelled but organisers of two popular festivals say the shows will go on.

Organisers of both Grappenhall Walking Day and Glazebury Gala have announced this week that last minute changes have forced them to cancel the processions and force a rethink of the plans for the day.

And they have laid the blame firmly at the door of the borough council and police chiefs.

Villagers in Grappenhall were planning their walk for next Saturday, June 24 - now organisers say there will be a late change of plan.

The walk involves members of Grappenhall Independent Methodist Church and St Wilfrid's Church.

A spokesman said: "There has been considerable unhappiness within the community as people have learned about the changes imposed on their traditions.

"Many of the walkers have taken part for all their lives, some for 60 or 70 years.

"It should be remembered that Grappenhall Walking Day is more than 100 years old, that no one can remember any incidents that should lead to police or council concerns and that the length of time traffic is disrupted on Knutsford Road is about the same as can occur when the swing bridge operates."

The cancellation comes after borough council bosses refused to close main routes on police advice. With the council being unable to fund the closure, the organisers were left to foot the bill.

However, organisers say the show will go on.

There will be an act of worship in St Wilfrid's Church followed by fun on the school playing fields in the afternoon.

The procession had to be dropped from the Glazebury Gala at the last minute - after more than 40 years of history.

A spokesman said: "We are very disappointed for the community and all the children, WI, Scouts and the Methodist church who take part.

"But the gala is still going ahead and we have lots of activities to make the event as enjoyable as ever and we would ask everyone to come and show their support.

The event takes place on July 8.

For more details on the events, keep reading the Warrington Guardian.

gdunning@guardiangrp.co.uk