Could ‘health and safety’ end the gala?
Last updated 05:13, Friday, 31 October 2008
LONGTOWN Gala committee says it could be faced with nowhere to hold the annual celebration after school governors decided to stop hosting the event.
The chairman of governors at Longtown Primary School says that the school can no longer be used for health and safety reasons.
And gala chairman Rodney Boguszynski says this casts doubt over its future.
He told The Cumberland News that he received a letter from chair of governors Elizabeth Harrison telling him that the grounds will no longer be available for the gala.
Mr Boguszynski, said: “The letter states that this decision was taken at a recent meeting of governors because of the health and safety of the kids, in light of an incident that took place this year.
“I have not idea what this is referring to. There were no problems within the school grounds – there was a police matter with some teenagers fighting in the town but I don’t see what the gala could have done to stop this.”
He said the committee had already started planning for next year’s event, adding: “This is a kick in the teeth. I don’t know what will happen to the gala now.”
The gala has been held at the school for the past few years.
Longtown Primary School, gave it a lifeline this summer after plans to host it from Lochinvar School were knocked back by the governors on safety grounds.
Organisers had to scale down the gala and cut out some entertainment.
Mr Boguszynski said: “I have emailed Mrs Harrison back, I would like to give her the opportunity to explain this decision to the people of Longtown.”
Speaking to The Cumberland News, Mrs Harrison said health and safety was one of many considerations, adding: “This was a long discussion and a lot of things have been taken into consideration. The school has to come first.
“This is upsetting for everyone and it is not that we don’t support the gala.”
More than 2,000 people turned out to support Longtown Gala this June with Mr Boguszynski hailing the event “sensational.”
People dressed up for a parade and shops were involved with window displays. Carlisle Mayor Jacquelyne Geddes gave out awards.
The news comes three months after the carnival in Brampton was cancelled for the first time in a decade due to a lack of support.
