Having told organisers of the Alderley Edge May Fair that they can no longer use the footpath which runs alongside the Chorley Hall Lane allotment site for vehicle access into the park, the Parish Council has had a change of heart.
In November, the Parish Council wrote to Christine Munro informing her that the path is unsuitable for such a purpose and requested that they find alternative access to and from the event for vehicles.
This decision came as a surprise to the organisers who had been granted permission to use the path by Cheshire East Council in August 2012, following a complaint from an allotment holder.
Speaking at the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 8th December, Cllr Mike Williamson said "Our decision is based on Cheshire East's decision. Cheshire East's decision is quite clear."
The correspondence Cllr Williamson was referring to was sent by Cheshire East on 11th May 2012.
"In a letter to the Parish Council, The May Fair Organising Committee wrote "It was this advice that prevented us using the track for the 2012 May Fair. Following that year's fair we worked closely with Cheshire East (and Network Rail) to resolve any and all outstanding issues. The result of that process was the Cheshire East email that we have already sent you.
"We are frankly surprised not only that you announced your decision without talking to us first, but also that you based that decision on an email from Cheshire East that is over two and a half years old."
The May Fair Organising Committee felt that they would have no alternative but to cancel next year's event if the Parish Council did not change its mind.
However, Mike Williamson. Chairman of Alderley Edge Parish Council, has now written to the Committee to say that the Parish Council recognises the permission granted by a Cheshire East Council Officer to use the footpath.
Cllr Williamson wrote "You should know that the Parish Council had consulted with CEC, who, after some delay, furnished us with correspondence in relation to their decision to refuse permission in May 2012. This correspondence refers, for example, to such use of this footpath being "illegal" because of disturbance caused to wildlife in the hedgerows which form the boundary to the Allotment site. Thus far, CEC has been unable to furnish us with any communications between either the May Fair Committee or other interested parties which would have allowed the overturning of the original decision, including the email subsequently provided by yourselves.
"The Parish Council is pursuing this with CEC, but would request that you provide any further information on this matter, such as emails or other correspondence, which you have in your procession. In particular, have there been any Risk Assessments or Health and Safety Assessments been carried out, either by the May Fair Committee, or CEC?"
He added "The Parish Council has always been a supporter of the May Fair and has no desire to create problems for the organisers. Such a popular event, which raises much needed funds for local charities should be supported. Until such time as the Parish Council is able to give its own permission, Councillors are content that the May Fair Committee should exercise the rights granted to it by Cheshire East Council."
From conversations I have had with Cheshire East Council concerning the use of the footpath they consider the decision to be nothing to do with them.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council told me "As far as I am aware, no one within CEC or Ansa has given any instruction as to who can or cannot use the access.
"To our knowledge the path is owned by Network Rail and not CEC, therefore we have no reason to be involved here."
The May Fair Organising Committee will be considering this latest correspondence, dated 22nd December, shortly.
They said "We can however confirm one point in Cllr Williamson's letter, which is that we do indeed carry out a formal Risk Assessment which is agreed with both the Police and Cheshire East. That has been in place ever since the first May Fair and is updated as necessary each year."
Comments
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However the PC should never have let this situation get to this point. If they truly supported the May fair they would have fully investigated the claims on damage to drainage on the allotments, found out who gave permission for the last few years and who could give permission / owned the land to use the path.
Instead they issued a letter stating you can't use the path...
I can't help but think that this is linked to the Sunday market issue and the feudal rights to hold a market !
I've offered just like last year to give pedestrian access via the allotment gate through the allotments at the time that the path is needed for vehicle access, to assist in the process.
The hedge will need to be cut in preparation.
Fenton
Chairman
Alderley Edge Allotments and Gardens Society