Charity cavalcade definitely off

REBECCA GOUGH
14 July 2009 11:00



A charity motorcycle cavalcade which attracts thousands of spectators each year has come to an end after becoming embroiled in a red-tape battle.

Last week the people in charge of this year's Eastern Lights Motorcycle Cavalcade, from Norwich to Lowestoft via Yarmouth, warned the event would have to be cancelled.

It came after organisers were given a licence deadline they said was impossible to meet. Police had said they would withdraw their cover if a temporary road closure licence was not obtained, and gave them just three weeks notice.

But there was hope over the weekend when police pledged to work with organisers to keep the event running.

Today however, Eastern Lights confirmed it was too late for this year's cavalcade and that in future years the cost of obtaining a licence would rule out any more events.

Paul Howard, organising committee chairman for Eastern Lights, said: “We won't be having any more future events; it's the end of Eastern Lights.

“I feel sorry for the bikers who've supported us, and for the thousands of people who line the streets and watch us.

“It's a great event and it generates trade in Lowestoft and Norwich.”

Over the past eight years Eastern Lights has donated more than £45,000 to the James Paget University Hospital, in Gorleston.

This year, 964 tickets were sold for the cavalcade, due to take place on July 26, at £10 per entry, and people will be offered a refund or the chance to donate the money to the hospital.

Lee Heath, 44, has ridden his Harley Davidson in the cavalcade for the past three years and had booked time off work to take part with his partner, Lisa Brookes, 43.

Mr Heath, a security guard from Burgh Lane in Mattishall, said it was a safe event which would be missed by everyone who took part.

He added: “People feel so strongly about this because it's such a good cause and it's being stopped.”

The decision to cancel the event came just days after police offered to work with the organising committee to ensure the event went ahead, but Mr Howard said marshals and the site holders had already been stood down.

He said: “The police who help us are fantastic guys and girls, without their support in past events we couldn't have done it. All they've done is implement the law but it's an impossible situation.”

In a joint statement released by Mr Howards and Norfolk police, a spokesman said: “Following discussions among the organisers of the Eastern Lights Motorcycle Cavalcade over the weekend, it is confirmed the event has been cancelled and the constabulary informed.

“The constabulary thanks the organisers of the Eastern Lights Cavalcade for their understanding following the lack of notice regarding the clarification of the Road Traffic Act which states that police have no legal authority to escort cavalcades through red lights in non-emergency situations.”

A free get together has now been organised by Eastern Lights at Royal Green in Lowestoft, on Sunday, July 26 from 10am until 5pm.

For more information, or for details on how to obtain a refund by post, people can visit the Eastern lights website at www.easternlights.co.nr.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Rebecca Gough on 01603 772428 or email rebecca.gough@archant.co.uk.

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