Beer walk tweaked as record number sign-up
Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 24 May 2011
NEW unmanned crossings will be used for the first time this year to assist walkers
BEER WALK organisers in Saddleworth have revealed they are working out a three-year plan with the police to secure the future of the event.
Talks are being held to make sure this year’s fundraising spectacle goes without a hitch after minor changes to road closures along the well-trodden route.
It comes after Round Table organisers confirmed record numbers have already signed up to the popular Saddleworth event, planned for Saturday June 18.
Organiser Dave MacDougall said: “Our main priority is the safety, the event has grown from 12 people taking part to thousands of people coming from miles around.
“There are some changes this year but we’re really looking forward to another brilliant event.
“Instead of thinking from one year to the next, we’re developing our relationship with the police to make sure it is here to stay.”
New unmanned crossing points will be trialled this year to minimise the amount of road closures needed on the 38th anniversary weekend.
The temporary points will work in the same way as a pelican crossings, where teams of walkers will need to press a button in order to cross.
They will be in place on the A62, near the Navigation Inn, Dobcross and close to the Bell Inn, in Huddersfield Road, Delph.
An extra stop for food and refreshments has also been added after the village stop in Diggle.
Dave added: “We are so grateful that people have supported it for so long and it promises to go one bigger again this year.”
Last year 2,400 walkers took to village streets with their weird and wacky costumes to raise thousands of pounds for charity, raising over £40,000 for the Round Table charities.
“The event is just weeks away and people need to sign up to avoid disappointment,” said Dave.
Visit www.beerwalk.co.uk for your entry form to sign up to the event.
