An adored festive tractor run has blamed the local police force for its cancellation saying there were too many safety fears, which the force has denied, saying it merely advised on how to carry out such an event safely.
The Saltash Christmas Charity Tractor Run took place last year for the first time and was a festive delight as tractors took to the roads adorned with festive lights and decorations to raise money for charity. This year's event was due to take place on Saturday, December 14.
But a statement released on Monday (December 2) saw organisers announce the event would not go ahead "with great sadness and disappointment". It said the decision to not go ahead was made due to advice from Devon and Cornwall Police, which has denied this.
The full statement on the cancellation said: "It is with great sadness and disappointment that on advice from Devon and Cornwall Police we have had to cancel The Saltash Christmas Tractor Run on Saturday 14th December, based on health and safety and potential traffic offences.
"As much as we would love to go ahead with this event it would mean we could face prosecution. We would like to thank everyone who has already supported us in trying to put this event on. And of course all the support from our tractor run last year.
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"The presents we have received will go to The Saltash Food Bank but fully understand if you would like your gift back, and we can get it returned to you. Saltash Food Bank will distribute the presents to families in need this Christmas. Thank you for your understanding and support."
A spokesperson for the force said in response: "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 on how the event can be run lawfully and as safely as possible, as well as minimising traffic disruption to other road users.
“At no point has Devon and Cornwall Police advised organisers that the event cannot go ahead. Officers have merely pointed out that certain health and safety aspects should be looked at to ensure participants and the public are kept safe.”
Organisers previously said they were so "blown away" by the support they received for last year's Charity Christmas Tractor Run, that they decided to bring it back this December.
Organisers Katie, Dan and Chris Billing shared the news on Facebook back in September, writing: "After being blown away by the support, donations and participants of tractor run last year we can't wait to do it again, bigger and better this year. We plan to raise as much money and gifts as possible so that children in our local area won't wake up on Christmas morning with nothing." They said anything donated already would still be gifted to the local food bank.
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