Lifeline for Maidstone River Festival

The organisers of Maidstone River Festival have been thrown a lifeline in their bid to stage the town's popular event this year.

Forced to cancel the festival after learning the police costs, chairman David Knight has been working tirelessly to find a solution. Now a ruling from the Appeal Court has offered him and his voluntary committee with some hope.

In the ruling Lord Justice Scott Baker said: "Glasbrook affirmed the principle that there is a fundamental obligation on the police to keep law and order and
that this is paid for through general taxation."

While Viscount Cave L.C. said: "No doubt there is an absolute and unconditional obligation binding the police authorities to take all steps which appear to them to be necessary for keeping the peace, for preventing crime, or for protecting property from criminal injury; and the public, who pay for this protection through the rates and taxes, cannot lawfully be called upon to make a further payment for that which is their right."

Mr Knight said: "After almost 30 years, we weren't going to give up on the event easily. The ruling has certainly given us some encouragement ; we are taking legal advice and are in talks with the police about it. I would like to thank all those who have contacted us with messages of support and I hope to have an update very shortly."