A whopping 75 miles of bunting was created this year for the very first Isle of Wight Day, the brainchild of High Sheriff, Robin Courage.
With the intention of brightening up the Isle of Wight, miles of the bunting has been given to town and parish councils and is being made available to anyone who wants to decorate their gardens and events on 24th September.
Health & Safety gawn mad?
However, it appears the Health & Safety squad have sprung into action and are insisting that risk assessments need to be carried out by the local councils before bunting can be tied up in public areas.
The CP report,
“But, under the instruction of Isle of Wight Council, Island Roads took down Lake’s colourful bunting from the railings in the high street as the local councillors hadn’t carried out a risk assessment, and hadn’t obtained permission to put it up.”
On hearing the news, Robin Courage said,
“Rather than contact us or the council, they [Island Roads] just removed it and destroyed it, which we’re obviously upset about — it’s not in the spirit of Isle of Wight Day.”
IWC: “Posed a risk to road users”
Island Roads and the Isle of Wight council have issued a joint statement in response.
They say,
“Only one section of bunting has had to be removed. This had been put between the fixed safety bollards in Lake High Street thereby preventing people walking between them.
“A section of bunting had also become detached from pedestrian railings in the town and was blowing into the road.
“As required by the PFI contract, this was reported to the Isle of Wight Council who agreed that the bunting was not authorised to be on the network. Because of the risks it posed to road users, it was therefore removed as required.
“The removed bunting was not suitable for re-use and was disposed of although we are happy to provide replacement bunting if required by Lake.”
Issues to consider
The statement goes on to say,
“The organisers were also given advice on the issues they would need to be considered as part of event planning.
“However highway safety is our priority and we must ensure bunting erected on the public highway is done so safely. It must, for example, be properly secured and at the appropriate height so as not to pose a hazard to road users or pedestrians.
“We are therefore asking organisations wishing to put bunting on the road network (not at other locations) to share their plans with Island Roads so we can ensure they are safe.
“We are also asking them to demonstrate that they have considered any risks to the public and Island Roads staff are happy to assist groups with this process.”
IWC: “In full support of the event”
Cllr Phil Jordan, executive member for public health, public protection and PFI, said:
“I don’t want people to think that the council or Island Roads are being difficult about the erection of bunting in celebration of Isle of Wight Day – in fact, we’re in full support of the event and are being pragmatic in engaging with people to ensure that bunting is placed safely on and around the highway!
“However, it is really important that people act sensibly about where they are hanging it. I would suggest that bunting is placed within private property boundaries where possible.
“The last thing that we want to see would be a case where bunting becomes detached and causes some incident or a serious accident risk, if it becomes loose across roads; especially at night on unlit roads. We’ve been in discussion with organisers for some time about this, and just want to encourage people to be sensible. All of us have to be aware of potential risks from detached bunting on our highways.”
Creative response
If you’re wondering who created the excellent graphic at the top of the article, the credit goes to the Isle of Wight Can Depress who once again respond with humour (what else can yo do?).
Article edit
Comment from Cllr Jordan added.
