Police clarify Shrewsbury toy run situation

Up to 600 motorcyclists have taken part in the annual event in previous years, dropping off presents for children at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and other locations.

It has been reported this year's event was cancelled mainly because police can no longer provide marshalling due to budget cuts.

Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg said today: "This is simply not correct. Budget cuts do not come into it. The situation needs to be clarified because it's been suggested the police are mainly to blame for its cancellation.

"However, our situation is quite clear. We are not at all opposed to the toy run and recognise the tremendous goodwill shown by those involved.

"But the organisers must take responsibility for the event themselves. Responsibility for the safe running and proper marshalling is not the responsibility of the police.

"The organisers have to accept responsibility for the safety of not only those taking part, but other road users and the general public at large. This means they must operate within the laws of the highway just like any other road users."

Chief Inspector Whitelegg was speaking ahead of a meeting with the event organisers. The mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Tony Durnell has also requested a meeting.

He said: "Organisers of events, including charity functions, must recognise the police have limited resources. We cannot allow our resilience to be compromised. As an emergency service, we have to ensure officers are available at a moment's notice to deal with serious incidents, providing the support the public expect of us.

"As much as we would like to offer greater support to charity and public event organisers, it would effect our ability to provide our emergency service."

Chief Inspector Whitelegg added the police were always willing to offer advice to those planning events, but organisers had to accept responsibility for public safety by arranging their own safe marshalling.