Police oppose plans for festival over access route

Concerns have been raised about safety and traffic issues at a planned family festival for the Romanian community.

An application to Barnsley Council stated that the event in Cundy Cross would focus on music and dance and attract around 5,000 people over 30-31 May.

South Yorkshire Police said they were concerned that emergency vehicle access to the site was not adequate, as the single route could become obstructed.

The council's officers have also highlighted gaps in emergency planning and medical provision by the organisers.

The festival hosts are Academy of Friends, who have applied to hold it on land near Monk Bretton Priory.

The council also raised concerns over safeguarding at the event because alcohol would be sold in the presence of children.

The parks services department informed the organisers that it had decided the events area, called Grange Lane, was no longer suitable for larger gatherings, and that future capacity had been capped at 350 people.

The Academy of Friends, which is a community interest company (CIC), said it was in regular contact with the Romanian community and had previously organised "successful, peaceful events of a similar nature".

Councillors will decide whether the festival can go ahead when they meet on 7 April.

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