As an active member of Grappenhall Independent Methodist Church, I am angry and very disappointed at the decision by Warrington Borough Council to end the tradition of Grappenhall Walking Day for what are claimed to be "budgetary reasons".
Our church has been advised by the Head of Service (Transportation) that "the borough council is unable to provide the necessary road closures to ensure the safety of your event".
What I find totally inconceivable is that the minor disruption caused to traffic can stop this small walk, while Warrington Walking Day, which brings chaos to the already chaotic traffic system in the town, can still go ahead - no doubt at much a greater cost to the council taxpayer.
Walking days are much more than a tradition. They are the one time in the year when Christians have an opportunity to proclaim their faith to the community in which they live. No doubt if we were of another faith, this might be considered discriminatory or even inflammatory.
It appears also that Cheshire Police completely misses the point of the event when their Northern Area Chief Inspector, in response to a letter about the walking day, suggests that consideration should be given to holding the event away from the highway "perhaps in local parks, sports grounds or on community land".
The borough council proclaims affinity with Christianity through its coat of arms with the inscription which translates as "God Gives Increase".
It seems to me that the only increase that we see is in the amount of money spent recklessly and the amount of council tax charged, while the great traditions of a great town are further eroded.
Marion Roberts
Grappenhall
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