MP backs council plan to cancel Country Show (From Your Local Guardian)

Streatham MP backs council plan to cancel Lambeth Country Show

4:35pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Streatham By Rachel Blundy

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna has come out in support of the council’s plans to scrap the biggest festival in south London.

Mr Umunna said Lambeth Council had been “sound in its judgement” to propose cancelling the Lambeth Country show, which attracts thousands of revellers to Brockwell Park every year, because of safety concerns.

He said 2012 was a year of “unique challenges and opportunities” for local people due to the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

He said: “The Council is right to be concerned with the security and safety of local residents.

“I have spoken previously of the need to ensure safety for those attending the Lambeth Country Show.

“2012, the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as well as the Olympics, is a year of unique challenges and opportunities for local residents.

“The council is sound in its judgement that the show should not go ahead in July and they have shown the respect that local residents deserve by ensuring that public safety is treated as of paramount importance.”

The news comes after Tessa Jowell, Shadow Olympics Minister and MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, also backed the council’s plans, citing “great pressure” on police resources.

Despite council claims the event would pose a ‘security risk’, police have said they would have gone ahead with it.

In an extended statement today, the Borough Commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Bell, said: “The Lambeth Country Show is a local authority organised event of long standing and ultimately it remains their decision as to whether the event goes ahead.

“We will of course continue to work closely and in partnership with the council and support them in their ultimate decision.”