Safety message issued ahead of Cooper's Hill cheese roll
It takes place this year on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May
Concerns about public safety have been raised by the Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG) ahead of the annual cheese rolling event on Cooper’s Hill, near Brockworth, here in Gloucestershire.
Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May, the traditional event is expected to draw thousands of visitors.
Despite its cultural significance, the cheese rolling does not have an official organiser, leading to worries about emergency response capabilities.
The SAG, consisting of multiple agencies including emergency services, advises on public safety matters. Without formal safety plans, Councillor Murray Stewart, Tewkesbury Borough Council's Lead Member for Environmental Services, expressed the group's stance: "The cheese rolling at Cooper’s Hill is a unique tradition in our county and we have no desire to stop it. However, without an official organiser, no formal safety plans have been put in place to detail how members of the public will be protected."
Due to the lack of safety documentation, the SAG has deemed the event unsafe and communicated this concern to the public. Councillor Stewart urged attendees to consider potential risks: "We strongly encourage anyone planning to attend or participate, to carefully consider the risks they might be putting themselves in."
Previous events have seen several medical emergencies requiring paramedic intervention. Issues accessing the site strained resources from Gloucestershire Constabulary, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, affecting their broader service provision.
The SAG has requested clarification on plans, especially concerning traffic and parking, a standard practice for public events. However, the lack of an official organiser means necessary safety documents remain unavailable.
Organisers of the cheese roll say those taking part are doing so at their own risk.
On Facebook, they add: "Please be aware that the Hill has no parking available at all.
"Once parked you will then need to take the walk to the Hill, which can take around 30/45 minutes.
"You do not have to be on the Hill to see the event, the fields below give a brilliant view.
"Please be aware all participants and spectators attend entirely at your own risk."