MP SAVES FAVERSHAM'S BIKE RIDE

Hugh Robertson has today secured the necessary clarification from the Home Office to save Faversham's bike ride.

The bike ride’s continued existence was threatened by a requirement to pay for all stewards to be registered under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 – something that the organisers could not afford.

Hugh Robertson was approached by the organisers who were contemplating cancelling the event. He intervened with the Home Secretary and today received clarification from the Minister responsible for the Act.

In his reply, the Minister confirms that volunteers are excluded from the provisions of the Act and do not need to be licensed. The threat of cancellation is, therefore, averted.

Hugh Robertson said: “I am delighted that my intervention with the Home Office has clarified, once and for all, the requirements of the Act and confirmed that the popular annual bike ride can now go ahead.

“It is great news for everyone in the town and, indeed, the wider community and I could not be more delighted.”