Alvechurch Mop Fair to GO AHEAD despite Bromsgrove's soaring Covid-19 rate - The Redditch Standard

Alvechurch Mop Fair to GO AHEAD despite Bromsgrove's soaring Covid-19 rate

Redditch Editorial 6th Oct, 2020 Updated: 6th Oct, 2020   0

THE annual Alvechurch Mop Fair will go ahead tomorrow, despite Bromsgrove District having the highest coronavirus infection rate in Worcestershire.

Public Health and Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) are satisfied the fair has the necessary legal safety precautions in place to run the event.

The County Council said the decision follows close scrutiny of the risk assessment provided by fair organisers.

WRS confirmed that the risk assessment is consistent with those provided for similar events.




In law, for an event to be closed down, it must present a ‘serious and imminent risk to public health’.

But the County Council says the fair does not pose any risk and therefore there is no legal basis under which the event should be cancelled.


Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Dr. Kathryn Cobain said: “The fair organisers are meeting the legal requirements for the event and have agreed to add extra measures to their safety procedures.

“These controls can help prevent the possible spread of Covid-19 and keep visitors safe.

“It is up to each of us to make sure we are keeping our distance, following the rule of six, washing our hands and wearing a face coverings when needed.

“Covid-19 is still with us, so I’d ask anyone going to the fair to follow these rules to keep you and others safe.”

Ruth Bamford, head of planning, regeneration and leisure at Bromsgrove District Council, added that there is no public health reason why the event cannot go ahead.

“We will continue to work with the fair organisers to ensure it operates as safely as possible,” she said.

“The event is being run according to all the necessary legal requirements and the owners have been fully co-operating with us to open safely.

“If visitors follow the rules, then it should be a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.”

Supplementary measures have been requested including thorough cleaning of rides after each use and for adults and children to use hand sanitiser before going on rides.

In addition representatives of Bromsgrove District Council have been asked to be at the event to ensure that measures are not being ignored.

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