Tradition scuppered by safety fears

12 November 2008 06:07pm

A coin-throwing tradition dating back to the 1920s may be scrapped over health and safety fears.

Each year dignitaries throw 2p pieces for children to collect at the opening of Michaelmas Fair in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

Now, following a risk assessment by St Ives Town Council, it is being recommended coins are "dropped or rolled" in future.

A report into the issue identified potential "hazards" of "falling objects", "crushing fingers" and "personal injury". The findings will be debated at a meeting of the council.

Town clerk Alison Melnyczuk said: "It has been classified that there is an insignificant risk of anyone being hurt but we are expecting the councillors to take note of the recommended action - that the coins should be dropped or rolled."

The council said health and safety assessment was initially prompted by concerns about councillors wearing ceremonial robes on a dodgems ride at the fair, held in October.

"After the opening ceremony, the council members ride the dodgems with a child," said Mrs Melnyczuk.

"The investigation came from a newly elected member saying 'is this safe?'."

Mrs Melnyczuk said the probe had concluded robes should be "tucked in" to avoid any potential injury.

"As a council, we need to make sure we cover all of the obligations in terms of risk," she said. "We have to carry out risk assessments of all our functions."

© The Press Association