BOSSES have apologised for confusion over this year's walking days events saying a select few will be supported in coming years.

A joint statement by Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police said the main issue had to be the safety of those taking part.

But as reported last week, officials from events that have had to be cancelled are angry and feel let down.

The statement said: "The issues surrounding these events have been complex and time-consuming. We recognise that this has led to some confusion and uncertainty among event organisers and those involved and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"The main issue is the safety of those processing along the borough's roads.

"The finite amount of resources available to both organisations must be used together to protect the safety of the public, particularly along busy main roads."

They added that when the council tried closing roads without police presence, motorists ignored cones and stewards. It said: "We can deplore the attitude of a few selfish and impatient motorists - but we cannot ignore the reality of this behaviour. Quite simply, for a procession to be safe on busy main roads, we must have both road closures and a uniformed police presence at the event. Both elements are vital if processions are to be safe.

"This causes problems for the police and the council.

"Police resources are under pressure, and it is difficult to ensure that enough officers can be made available to enforce all the necessary road closures.

"For the council, road closures are expensive in terms of wage costs, particularly since many events are held at weekends or preparations must be made early or late in the day."