Council enters circus row arena
Council officials have become involved in a row over the arrival of a controversial animal circus in Lincolnshire.
Officials at Lincolnshire County Council say that the installation of a standpipe to provide water for the Great British Circus is "unacceptable" because it is blocking a footpath beside a busy road.
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Controversy surrounds the Great British Circus visit.
They investigated the matter after complaints were made by residents in Waddington, where the circus will be for much of next month.
Council bosses told Anglian Water to remove the standpipe just hours after they had put it here.
But they were later forced to admit they had no power to make such a demand after the water provider refused to move it.
Bosses at the utility firm told the Echo that they had to put the pipe there to provide water for the animals and people at the circus.
Residents – many of whom have said they do not want the circus – are furious.
They say elderly people will be forced to walk on the busy Brant Road to get around the pipe.
Shirley Rooke, a resident on nearby Station Road, said: "They have put the pipe in the middle of the footpath.
"It's totally blocking off the path.
"Mums with prams and people like that will have to go on to Brant Road to get around it."
There have also been complaints that the field on which the circus will be sited has been reduced to a muddy quagmire.
Grant Tuffs, spokesman for Anglian Water, said: "They know our position.
"We don't have to move it.
"We would not leave it there if it was dangerous, and I am sure it's safe."
31 Comments
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by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 10:49AM
“Why then Cycott would you like Claire and myself to be a gourmet meal for the lions?
Claire is against the Circus and I'm all for it.
So which one goes first, or is it because we both get up your pipe?”
by Steve, Lincoln Edge
Monday, March 01 2010, 6:33PM
“Really can't see what all the fuss is about. If you don't like an animal circus don't go and vice versa. A circus in Waddo is nothing new as Fred Carno's flying circus has been in Waddo for as long as I can remember.”
by Steve, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:16PM
“Mel, Lincoln, why should we all boycott the circus? Some of us actually look forward to its arrival and eagerly await its opening.”
by L.E. Phant, and C. Lion
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:09PM
“If any difficulty in obtaining the side at Waddington is encountered in the future I'm sure we would welcome it at Burton Waters.”
by anon, uk
Monday, March 01 2010, 3:45PM
“The circus is coming and all the moaning in the world won't stop it! There are many things to complain about and not wanting a circus visiting is pathetic..shut up,put up or jog on..it won't last forever”
by mike cycott, burton village
Monday, March 01 2010, 3:14PM
“FAO claire & Lynne ...i would love to take you both to the circus ----------------------------------------& feed you to the lions”
by Robin, lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:04PM
“i for one am all for the circus being here and people are always complaining about something should think when the fair comes next month people will moan at that so will anything be right for people i for one cant wait to take our daughter to circus”
by back to the topic, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:01PM
“I must say I see this from the Councils point of view, they are responsible for the vast majority footways and footpaths; they are protecting their interests by requesting that Anglian remove the pipe to make the area safe, or reduce the risk to the public. Even though its not enforceable, by them requesting the action to be taken ¿ they are no longer liable for the hazard that the pipe creates. Ergo, if someone trips and falls as a result of this pipe, its Anglian water whom are liable ¿ not the council. Good on the people that look after the footpaths ¿ at least their protecting our council tax money from insurance claims.”
by Mel, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 1:08PM
“There is nothing great or british in the exploitation of animals!
If everyone was to boycott the circus then they would not visit again .”
by Rose, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 12:06PM
“Is the water bill not paid by the circus?”