Summerfest Concerns
Some Ardingly residents have contacted the Parish Council with various concerns about the Summerfest event taking place on 15th August at the South of England Showground.
These concerns have been forwarded to the Event Centre and they have replied with
“We appreciate that the current dry conditions and heightened wildfire risk are causing understandable concern, particularly in relation to the planned fireworks display and the helicopter operations, including the refuelling arrangements.
The South of England Event Centre, as always, has been working closely with Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service regarding the increased fire risk arising from the current prolonged hot, dry weather and the activities planned to take place on the Showground over the coming weeks. Following this liaison, the following information has been sent to all showground hirers up until the 16th August:
“Effective immediately, and until there has been a significant change in the weather conditions, the following activities will not be permitted anywhere on the South of England Showground, as they present an increased fire risk to the Showground, neighbouring countryside, and the surrounding village:
• Fireworks
• Bonfires
• Campfires
• Fire pits”
With regards to the Helicopter rides we have received the following response from the event organisers:
“I did speak to them on the phone today and in general the risk of fire is very low; however, they do bring their own fire crew for the day. They have assured me they would not be operating if there was any increased risks.”
We will continue to discuss this with the hirers, and again if needs be in conjunction with MSDC & WSF & R.
With regards to noise concerns, last year a flight path that caused minimum noise disturbance to the village was agreed and we would expect the same considerations to be made again this year.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to our attention, but I hope that this response outlines that we are being proactive in mitigating any risks to the showground, and the local community and countryside and we will continue to do so going forward.”
Photo by Max Tcvetkov on Unsplash