Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Christmas party revellers told to carry out risk assessment on mince pies

Stunned villagers have been told their Christmas party will be cancelled unless they carry out a risk assessment - on mince pies.

Council bosses ordered that large posters warning revellers the pies contain nuts and suet pastry must be placed alongside festive decorations.

Local resident Steve Dobson wanted to organise a free party with a fireworks display, mince pies, mulled wine and a Santa's grotto so villagers could celebrate together.

The home-made mince pies are being baked and given free by the Embsay and East by Women's Institute. Steve said: "It is bureaucracy gone mad. I got a letter from the council saying we had to carry out a risk assessment of everything involved in the event. When I asked if that included the mince pies I was told it was."

Steve added: "We have even had someone from the village ask us if our Santa has been checked with the Criminal Records Bureau."

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