(05 Apr 2017, 8:33 pm)Adrian It depends what the reasoning behind it is, but I'm told it is for Health and Safety reasons. I know a lot of organisations tend to hide behind Health and Safety, but I wouldn't think this is the case. Seaburn has been an admission charging event for years, and that has never excluded minors, so why would they start now. My guess is that they've had safety issues flagged on their risk register, and this is mitigation measure that they've come up with.
If Newcastle City Council have identified risks, then the NEBPT can't do an awful lot, other than agree a plan to mitigate them. Perhaps they didn't like the fact you'd have unaccompanied kids roaming free round the site, whilst you have buses travelling through them at the same time? The site doesn't have marked or dedicated walkways, and it'd be impractical to do so. It really could be anything, and it is hard to judge, without seeing the risk register.
You've also got to bare in mind that NEBPT is entirely volunteer funded, and despite calls for help, they get very little in terms of stewarding events. I mean who wants to give their weekend up, and stand policing a rally instead?
I don't think the situation is ideal, but I accept that it is necessary to ensure an event remains safe for everyone that attends. Perhaps after this year, they'll either be in a position to get the council to revisit the situation, or alternatively and preferably, find a venue that means our rallies can remain inclusive to all.
Totally agree with your points. It could even be down to insurance reasons.
If NEBT are using an existing policy and extending it for the event, it may be that current stipulations are carried over.
Mind, although measures can be put in to place to seperate traffic and pedestrians (I'm thinking along the lines of measures in place at Silverlink that involves barriers), there is the river to factor in to account at this event.
'Illegitimis non carborundum'
