Appeal Over Strawberry Fair Protest

4 June 2010, 08:11 | Updated: 4 June 2010, 08:14

The following is a joint statement from Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridge City Council and Strawberry Fair organisers:

STRAWBERRY Fair organisers, Police and Cambridge City Council have held a series of meetings over the running of the 2011 event.

Due to licensing issues, the event which was due to take place on June 5 this year was cancelled.

However all sides have met for a number mediation sessions, aiming to come to an agreement to safeguard the family fun event for years to come.

At the first session, held on April 21, all sides set out what they hope to achieve, how they wanted the fair to be run and how they could work productively together to achieve a happy outcome for next year's event.

All parties feel the discussions have been constructive and are optimistic that a resolution that secures a successful future for the fair is achievable.

As this year's event is not taking place, the Strawberry Fair Committee wishes to discourage any activity on June 5 that may damage the reputation or future of the fair.

Chief Superintendent Rob Needle, Divisional Commander said: "All parties are committed to coming to an agreement over the successful running of next year's Strawberry Fair and beyond.

"Progress has been made in working towards a future event that will maintain the spirit of the fair, whilst ensuring public safety, full and effective control of the site and that the organiser's responsibility to meet licensing objectives is fully discharged".