Cllr John Fillis has raised concerns regarding the wisdom of Lancashire County Council (LCC) to enable the holding of the West Lancashire Summer Triathlon 2020 on Sunday 30th August 2020. Especially following the warning from Angie Ridgwell, who is the Chief Executive at Lancashire County Council and the current Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum.
Angie Ridgwell, “Lancashire as a whole is currently under close scrutiny from central Government. There remains a strong possibility that additional measures may be extended to other parts of Lancashire. So this is not just an issue for Blackburn with Darwen – it is something we must all be alert to.”
Cllr John Fillis, said “The Triathlon is an excellent event, which is well managed and that’s the problem. It has and it would attract hundreds of people from all over the country to participate and as spectators. Under normal circumstances we would be celebrating its success but these are not normal times. We would be setting a president for this and other outdoor and similar events right across Lancashire.”
“People are already confused with mixed messages and a lack of clarity as to what may or may not be a risk during the COVID Crisis. Under the current circumstance most local people are doing a fantastic job its important the we are open, honest and above all clear about what they need to do to protect themselves their friends, family and the community as a whole. As such I have written to the council and Chief Executive raising my concerns and asked them to think again before they agree that this event goes ahead.”
The response from Lancashire County Council has been “I can confirm that at the present time that the event is expected to go ahead on the 30th August 2020.
As per the risk assessment which has been submitted, the following is stipulated as part of the COVID Secure precautions in relation to spectators:- There will be no spectators at the event. Any attendees who arrive at the event will only be allowed access to the car park if they are an entrant or a pre-registered driver. Any drivers not participating will be asked to stay with their vehicle and the car park manager will observe that social distancing is adhered to.”
Please find attached details of a proposed temporary road closure to enable the holding of the West Lancashire Summer Triathlon 2020 on Sunday 30th August 2020. (Map)
Cllr John Fillis went on to say. “LCC are closing the roads because this is a road event round West Lancashire not a car park event. If any local people or participants have any comments or observations regarding the event going ahead please contact the LCC, lhsstreetworks@lancashire.gov.uk by Friday 31st July 2020.”
Loading ...
