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Friday 1 December 2017

Exclusion zone



A story of council caution via the Beeb

A council has admitted it was "over cautious" when it installed a widely-ridiculed cordon around a Christmas tree for public safety.

Derby City Council said it created the "exclusion zone" in Market Place to "enable people to view the tree at a safe distance".

People complained it was "a disgusting mess" and "not festive at all".

Most of the metal fencing has now been removed but a smaller barrier remains around the tree.

The council said in a statement: "As is the case every year, we review the risk assessments related to the city Christmas decorations based on current health and safety legislation.

"On the basis of that review we decided to increase the security area around the tree.

"However, following feedback from the public, we accept that we have been over cautious and are making alternative arrangements today ahead of the ice rink opening."

By "feedback" I think they mean ridicule. It's a weapon is web-enabled ridicule.

5 comments:

Sam Vega said...

To be fair, the needles do get everywhere. No sense in taking that sort of risk.

James Higham said...

to "enable people to view the tree at a safe distance"

Love it. And as Sam says, gotta watch those needles.

Scrobs. said...

Of course, the hoodlum trying to climb it after eight pints of Export Full Strength will have come from a broken home, and will be entering a period of broken leg syndrome as a consequence.

(By coincidence, I came to Derby for my interview for my great job there, exactly forty years ago this week)!

Sackerson said...

Are they needling us? Needlessly?

A K Haart said...

Sam, James and Sackers - I believe there are worse places for needles.

Scrobs - bet you never went back though.