Winter Woodland event off after too much interest

The council says the safety of its communities is the "most important thing"

A Winter Woodland event in the Cotswolds has been cancelled for health and safety reasons because the local council says there has been too much interest in it.

Stroud District Council decided to cancel the event for Stratford Park on Sunday due to the huge interest.

The event involved transforming the park into a festive woodland complete with snow, Christmas lights and Santa's sleigh.

The council said the decision to cancel had been taken following "detailed discussions" with health and safety and event management specialists.

'Really disappointed'

Conservative group leader Lindsey Green said it was a "shame" families would miss out because the council had not anticipated the event would be so popular, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"I'm really disappointed for the families who were planning to attend this event," she added.

The council added: "The safety of our communities is the most important thing and, as such, we do not feel it would be appropriate to continue with the event in the original format."

The decision does not affect the activities at Active Lifestyles Stroud or Museum in the Park.

The miniature railway and brass bands will also take place.