A VILLAGE gala procession has been axed amid angry claims that Bradford Council is failing its communities.

Bosses of Riddlesden Gala say "an obsession with health and safety" has forced it to ditch the popular parade.

But council chiefs say the authority has a statutory duty to ensure public events comply with Government safety legislation.

Other gala activities will still go ahead as normal at Riddlesden St Mary's Primary School, with proceeds from this year's event – on June 10 – going to Childline.

Gala chairman Geoffrey Baldwin said the council had insisted that a so-called 'Chapter 8 accredited' road traffic management team would be needed to control road closures for the procession.

However he claimed that would cost hundreds of pounds, depriving charitable causes of desperately-needed funds.

"We have held our event for 33 years – closing the roads and marshalling the route ourselves – and never had a single problem," said Mr Baldwin.

"Motorists stop and enjoy watching the procession themselves for the brief time they are required to wait.

"There has not been any issue yet apparently we are suddenly incapable.

"It is outrageous that we find ourselves in this situation.

"It is high time the council supported the communities that pay for it, rather than placing obstacles in our way.

"What appears to be the authority's obsession with health and safety is doing its best to destroy local British tradition."

He said that after obtaining initial quotes, he discovered the total bill for the required team – about £160 per person – would be far more than the gala could afford.

"We'd need a team of eight and that would just leave a massive hole in the charity pot," said Mr Baldwin.

"If we used some of our own people to marshal, in conjunction with just a couple of Chapter 8 accredited people, we would be taking too much risk and quite probably invalidating our public liability insurance."

The parade would normally begin at the Marquis of Granby pub and make its way along Granby Drive, Bar Lane and Bradford Road before heading to the school in Grange Road.

This time events will start at the school, at 1pm.

City of Bradford Pipe Band, which would have led the procession, will entertain in the grounds.

There will also be performances from the Silsden All Stars majorettes and Rainbow Morris Dancers, plus attractions including Punch & Judy, stalls, games and refreshments.

"Those who would have taken part in the procession will be doing extra slots," said Mr Baldwin.

A council spokesman said the safety of participants and spectators at public events, particularly when children were involved, was "of paramount importance".

He added: "We help and support organisers to comply with legislation to make sure any event goes off without a hitch – and this includes ensuring that volunteer traffic marshals have the qualifications to carry out the role.

"We want to support all local events as much as possible and we can advise Riddlesden Gala organisers how marshals can achieve accreditation to comply with the safety rules."