Fury as Christmas charity tractor runs axed over cop concerns
CHRISTMAS tractor runs to raise money for charity have been axed after police elf and safety warnings.
Kenn Valley Young Farmers Club in Devon cancelled their annual ride due to take place Sunday claiming police were “cracking down”.
Farmers dress their vehicles up in Christmas lights and drive them through local villages for charity.
They said: “This event has raised thousands for charity, however due to police and highways legislation we have been strongly advised not to proceed.
“This event comes with many risks, risks that there have always been ways around.
“However the police are cracking down on safety and after an hour long teams meeting discussing the event- they are not happy.”
River Dart Rotary Club, which organises another tractor run, said they too had to cancel for similar reasons.
Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “This is a cop out by the police.
“Of course health and safety regulations must be followed but risks can be managed so that people can raise funds for charity and bring some much-needed festive cheer to our rural communities after Labour’s vindictive Budget.”
Mo Metcalf-Fisher from the Countryside Alliance said “After the kick in the teeth farmers received from the Treasury with the family farm tax, this Scrooge like clampdown on festive tractor runs is another blow to farming communities at a time when they need all our support.”
A police spokesman said: “Devon and Cornwall Police take public safety extremely seriously and have a duty to inform members of the public of certain health and safety aspects when organising any public event.
“Advice has been given by police and partners, through the Safety Advisory Group in how events can be ran lawfully and as safely as possible to ensure participants and the public are kept safe, as well as minimising traffic disruption to other road users.”