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Police appeal threat to Mela
30/ 6/2006
ONE of Rochdale's biggest multicultural events may have to be cancelled following a police bid to stop it going ahead.
Senior officers have appealed against the licence granted to Multi Asian Arts on Monday night for the annual Mega Mela planned for Springfield Park next Friday and Saturday.
The appeal is likely to be heard by Rochdale magistrates early in the week.
Inspector Carol Wright said police welcomed the mela, but feared Springfield Park was not a safe location.
Police believe an expected crowd of up to 12,000 could stretch the park to breaking point, making it impossible for ambulances to move in the case of an emergency.
She said: "It is a difficult situation.
"We are fully supportive of this event, but there are other sides we have to consider.
"Sometimes you feel you are the bad guy, but we do still have concerns about the event, which is why we have submitted an appeal.
"An event is great, but not if somebody is injured."
Superintendent Paul Brookes said: "We are working with the organisers to ensure that the event can be held safely.
"Public safety is of paramount importance and together with partner agencies we have raised concerns about Springfield Park.
"We hope that through continued discussion we will ensure the event goes ahead for the people of Rochdale to enjoy safely and that GMP will continue to be involved in consultations on future events of this scale."
News of the granting of the licence had been greeted with mixed feelings by councillors, residents and staff at Springfield Park Nursing Home, all of whom said they welcomed the Mela, but fear that the sheer volume of visitors - expected to be up to 12,000 - would bring noise, traffic and disturbance to the area.
As the conditions of the licence prohibit cars in the park, parking had been planned at nearby Matthew Moss High School and the Green Lane Environmental Centre. A free park and ride shuttle service has been organised.
But objectors say that the crowds may make it difficult for emergency services or people working or living in the area to get through the park.
Councillor Ian Duckworth said: "The care of the people in the nursing home could be affected.
"It is a big event and people come from all over, so somewhere like Bowlee might be a better venue."
Organiser Razwan Sarwar said: "Residents put forward a number of objections, but we have put measures in place to combat their concerns.
"There will not be any cars allowed into the park and we have split the festival over two days to hopefully reduce the amount of traffic in the area."
Fellow organiser Mohammed Sarwar said: "Being a new site, it is important for us to listen to concerns raised, resolve them, make it safe and allow access to services within the park and at all times access for the emergency services."
Most recent 2 of 5 user comments
No on site Parking is allowed for audience. Free Park and Ride at: Matthew Moss High School, Chamber House, Environmental Management Dept. Green Lane, Bowlee Park, off Heywood Old Road.
Free Hourly Mini Bus Routes starting from Spotaland Road and Albert Royds Street.
The tiimes of activities on Friday start at 12.30pm to 6pm. Saturday 11am to 7pm.
This is a free Multicultural festival and All communities welcome.
This is the 12th year family event and expected attendance will be about 2 thousand on Friday and 6 thousand on Saturday throughout the day.
We dont expect 10 thousand at any one time.
Further information, please contact: 01706 642954
5/07/2006 at 11:37
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