Pancake Race Flattened

A traditional Shrove Tuesday race in Ripon, North Yorkshire has been flattened because of a mountain of health and safety concerns.

A decade ago, the event was revived which usually starts by the ringing of Ripon Cathedral's ancient Pancake Bell.

However, this year's event has been cancelled because of what organisers have called a mountain of risk assessments that must be carried out before children can participate in the event.

One of the organisers, Bernard Bateman said they were told they would have to dish out £250 pounds to Harrogate Borough Council to close Kirkgate Road, where the race takes place.

In the event of any accidents or injuries they would also have to hold insurance risk assessments and pay to have medical staff on hand.

Mr Bateman, who is also a councillor for Ripon North, said it was difficult to find volunteers to carry out the procedures.

He said: "The main problem is the health and safety aspects and issues such as that.

"There is bureaucracy that goes into holding any event these days, the policing, the risk assessments, and it has a cost factor and takes a lot of time.

"I'm always disappointed when we've held something for some years now and it can't take place," he said.

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