THERE is much anger at a decision to cancel a hugely popular event, just days before it was due to take place.

The annual Northwich Scooter Day was due to be held in the town centre on Sunday (August 8) but Cheshire West and Chester Council said organisers had failed to provide sufficient plans on protecting public safety as well as not meeting the requirements for the sale of alcohol.

The event - which hasn't been held since 2019 due to the pandemic - is a celebration of all things scooter, including the culture and music and hundreds of people were expected to descend on the town from all over the country.

Northwich Guardian:

Northwich Scooter Day 2019. Photos: Nick Newton

With the 2020 event not taking place for obvious reasons, there was much anticipation and excitement that the hugely popular family-fun day would provide a much needed boost.

For Leftwich-based scooterist Adrian Metcalfe, the last minute cancellation of the event has left a bitter taste, calling it 'disgraceful'.

He said: "There are hundreds of people who are not happy at all about this.

"People have booked hotels and come from all over the northwest.

"I had friends and family coming from Liverpool and Manchester.

"I am a local scooterist and I've been really looking forward to this and so have my family.

"The last event in 2019 was so good too so for it to be cancelled at the last minute like this is disgraceful really.

"I'm sure plenty of business owners in the town aren't happy either.

"We're welcomed in every town we go to when we have scooter rallies.

"There's been banners up around the town advertising it, but they've pulled the plug at the last minute.

"I don't really see what the problem is to be honest as it's always a well behaved event and a day for all the family."

Northwich Guardian:

Northwich Scooter Day 2019. Photos: Nick Newton

Event organiser Derek Smith was approached by the Guardian to comment on the news and although disappointed at the decision, he didn't wish to say anything that could jeopardise future events.

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed: "Following consideration of the plans presented for the Northwich Scooter Rally planned for Sunday August 8, Cheshire West Event Safety Advisory Group felt that the plans were insufficient to demonstrate that the safety of the public could be maintained.

"It was also noted that the requirements for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment had not been met.

"While it is unfortunate that the event could not proceed at this time, we would still welcome visitors to the town.

"We would ask that customers park appropriately using one of the many car parks in the town.

"Moving forward, the relevant agencies are happy to work with event organisers to ensure appropriate plans are in place to deliver an event that maintains the safety of the public.

"Organisers of the rally have now asked for additional guidance to plan an event for next year."