A MAJOR fundraising day for Penlee lifeboat, which has been going for more than 30 years, has been cancelled because of "silly regulations".
The event, which is held annually on Penzance Promenade, includes stalls and a helicopter and lifeboat display.
The displays will still take place this Sunday from 2pm but the stalls have been cancelled – meaning the charity stands to miss out on vital funds.
Janet Madron, chair of fundraising for Penlee lifeboat said: "We normally have our big function on the prom, it is something we have done for more than 30 years. This year because of the new regulations and paper work that has been put in place by Cornwall Council we have decided against doing it because it makes too much work."
Cornwall Council said it had simplified the way it dealt with applications this year from March.
But Mrs Madron said: "It is all these silly new regulations they brought in. I know safety is something everyone is concerned about but they have gone a step too far… We will definitely be down on our takings this year because of this and it have been difficult as it is."
A spokeswoman for Cornwall Council said: "The Council simplified the way it deals with events notifications across Cornwall earlier this year. All enquiries are channelled through the Council’s events coordinator who coordinates a joined-up approach across Council services to make it easier for applicants to hold a successful and safe event, and who can provide or point event holders to expert advice."
Mark Luxton, Cornwall Council Assistant Head of Public Health and Protection has now contacted the organisers of the event to express his regret at the situation.
He said that the unitary authority had tried simplify the system and offer consistent advice to all event organisers but that having gone through the difficulties faced by the organisers of the Penlee lifeboat day, the council would take a further look at this.
He said: “I accept the Council can make further improvements to its event licensing procedures.”
The lifeboat and helicopter display will take place in Mount’s Bay from 2pm this Sunday.
The Penlee fundraisers are also organising a sponsored walk in September. For more information, go to the RNLI shop on Market Jew Street in Penzance.
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