Fears at Cheese Rolling 2023 as no police or paramedics to cover event

Officers say ''the lack of any formal plans from organisers'' means no police or ambulance staff will cover the event.

Every year hundreds of people gather at Cooper's Hill in Brockworth to watch participants chase a 9lb block of double Gloucester cheese down a hill.

However this year concerns have been raised after police have confirmed 999 staff will not be attending the event.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "The Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has met to discuss the annual cheese rolling event held at Cooper’s Hill.

"But the lack of any formal plans from organisers has left the group unable to declare the event safe for the public.

"Members of the SAG, which advises on the risks of any large outdoor events, had asked those organising it to step forward to help them understand their plans for protecting participants and spectators from being seriously injured.

Brave competitors at the Cheese Rolling event in 2019 - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

''They also asked for clarification around traffic issues, such as parking, when the event runs.

"It is understood the Spring Bank Holiday event is popular with many, but to date organisers have not provided plans that set out how they will keep members of the public attending safe.

"Therefore, all those attending are asked to be aware of this and not to rely on measures being in place to protect them.

''Everyone travelling around the Coopers Hill area is also asked to respect the road closures and restrictions in place for the day.

"The authorities have no desire or power to stop the cheese rolling event being run but have a duty to inform the public of their position."

The event will not have police officers, ambulance paramedics or fire crew in attendance.

The competition, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, is still set to go ahead despite the safety concerns.