Efforts being made to find a resolution to car enthusiast gatherings in Stratford - The Stratford Observer

Efforts being made to find a resolution to car enthusiast gatherings in Stratford

Stratford Editorial 27th Mar, 2017   0

EFFORTS are being made to find a resolution to the gatherings of car enthusiasts in Stratford.

Representatives from the district council, the police, Warwickshire County Council and the fire service together with MP Nadhim Zahawi met to discuss concerns raised by noise-plagued residents living near the Stratford Park and Ride in Bishopton.

Around 400 cars met on the car park at the end of February, organised by All Mods, a group for modified car fans, who like to improve the look or performance of their cars.

But while the event was hailed as a success by organisers, district councillor for Bishopton Robert Vaudry said received complaints from residents.




Coun Vaudry said: “Events such as these can be dangerous to those in the surrounding area as well as those involved.

“It also causes disruption and disturbances to local residents and businesses.


“The district council and police don’t want to discourage car enthusiasts holding an event, but any future event needs to be sensitive to the location and the impact on residents and that is what this group will try to facilitate with organisers for future events.”

At the time of the car meeting All Mods founder Harry Kay defended the gathering, saying organisers worked hard filling out risk assessments for events, picking up litter after meetings, and encouraging car owners to respect residents.

He added: “The police are always present at the meets because nothing stops people acting up and ruining it for the rest of us like a marked police car. And there was nothing for them to do because no one at the meet was doing anything illegal.

“I’m from Stratford and plenty of people who attend are also local. We don’t want to upset people in the town because lots of us live and work there.

“We try really hard to be courteous to locals so it is frustrating when people say we’re a nuisance. What would they rather us do? Going to meetings keeps a lot of people from racing around in their cars.”

All Mods had not responded to The Observer’s request for a further comment at the time of going to press.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Stratford Observer newspaper.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Stratford Observer.

Advertising

Advertise with the Stratford Observer to reach your audience

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.