[C]umbria Police is urging people to stay safe whilst respecting their community ahead of this year’s Uppies and Downies event in Workington.
The historic event, which has no formal organiser, takes place on Friday March 30, Tuesday April 3 and Saturday April 7 and usually attracts large crowds. The event is expected to begin at around 6pm.
Sergeant Mitchell Franks said: “Cumbria Police wishes everyone well ahead of this weekend’s Uppies and Downies event.
“We ask people to be safe – to think of their own safety and the safety of others and to also be aware of their surroundings. People need to take particular care with regards private land and property and their behaviour and actions when the ball comes into close proximity with cars and other property.
“Whilst the vast majority of people who take part in Uppies and Downies do so in a positive spirit, the police will not accept people using the event as an excuse to commit criminal damage and behave in an antisocial manner.
“Officers will be on hand and, if offences are identified, those responsible can expect to be held accountable.”
Extra officers and resources will be deployed to the event to help ensure it passes off safely for all.
Parents are urged to speak to their children ahead of their attending the event to make sure they are aware of the safety advice.
People should be especially careful of the risks posed by large crowds, leading to potentially serious injuries, as well as trips, sprains and bruises.
Those taking part are asked to be particularly careful when entering or considering entering any water. Such an action puts people at particularly high risk and is not recommended. More advice on water safety available from the Royal Life Saving Society via www.rlss.org.uk.
People are also urged to be aware of any weather warnings, particularly with regards flooding www.flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings.
Cumbria Police have worked with Allerdale Borough Council to offer overnight parking in the multi-storey car park to help local residents secure their vehicles during the event. This will cost £2.50 for overnight parking. Residents using this service need to be aware that between 7pm and 7am the car park is closed and should your vehicle be required between these hours this would incur a call out charge.
To contact the police in a non-emergency, call 101 or email [email protected].
You can call 111 for non-urgent medical advice.
Always dial 999 in an emergency – whether for police or ambulance.
