Public events could be affected by health and safety fears
Health and safety fears may become a threat to public events in Wycombe, it has been reported.
Reports quoting officials said Wycombe District Council is already considering refusing vital road closure orders for events like processions.
This, they added, was because the council would take on the risk from organisations that do not have public liability insurance cover.
A senior councillor reportedly blamed the decision on the country’s increasing drive for litigation and “blame culture”.
If events organisers do not the right insurance cover the authority would be saddled with carrying the risk for processions, illuminations and public celebrations.
“If a road closure order is made for an organisation that does not have public liability insurance, then the risk transfers to WDC. If someone goes wrong, then we could be held liable,” a report to councillors explained.
Reports also said unless the policy covers up to certain, like £10 million for roads, the council would still carry the risk.
This could make granting road closure applications very difficult.Updated on 11/10/2008