No events on Council land to help stop spread of virus

Published on 9 October 2020

Calendars are usually filling up with seasonal events at this time of year but things are going to be different this autumn and winter following a decision not to allow public events on Council land.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has made the decision in the interests of protecting public safety and the ongoing need to put in place measures to stop the coronavirus spreading amongst local communities.

This means there will be no bonfire or fireworks displays on Council-owned land and public events to mark Christmas lights switch-ons will not take place this year.

Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet member for Communities, said: "Ordinarily the autumn and winter months are characterised by seasonal get-togethers and celebratory events. But, as we are all very much aware, things are very different this year.

"The safety of our communities has to be the priority and we all need to take the necessary prevention measures to try and halt the spread of Covid. For that reason, the Council has taken the difficult decision not to allow events on our land at this present time.

"We know that this will be disappointing news for local communities, businesses and the hard working volunteers who plan all year round for these seasonal events but I'm sure people will understand that we need to do what we can to protect each other and gathering together is just not possible at the moment."

People will also be advised to mark Remembrance Sunday at home and not gather in public. More information about how people can mark the day will be available in the lead-up to Sunday 8 November.

Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "With the number of people testing positive continuing to rise across the UK it is more important than ever that we take care of each other as we head into winter.

"The virus is still very much in circulation which is why we've taken the decision about events. It's also why we're urging people to remember and follow the basics of regular hand washing, wearing a face covering and making space - let's do it for our friends, our families and for the Moorlands so we can all return safely to the things we enjoy and that we've missed."