Partner agencies have been meeting ahead of Uppies and Downies which starts easter weekend to put plans in place to ensure people stay safe. 

The traditional event, which has no formal organiser, takes place from Friday (April 15) and usually attracts large crowds.

Partners from Cumbria Police, Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, Highways, Coastguard, North West Ambulance Service and Washington Square have met to discuss to how to keep everyone safe during the unauthorised event and to discuss additional resourcing.

Extra officers and resources will be deployed for the events to ensure it passes safely for all.

Superintendent Lisa Hogan said “We want people to enjoy the event, but we are asking people to be safe and think of their safety and the safety of others.

“People also need to be aware of their surroundings and 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.

“The majority will enjoy the event responsibly; however, we will have officers in the area if anyone has any concerns and to identify any offences if people use the event as an excuse to cause damage.”

Partners are advising communities and visitors to consider where they park their car during the event to avoid potential damage to vehicles.

Partners have been speaking with businesses and local communities ahead of the event to provide advice.

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. This can put people at particularly high risk and is not recommended. More advice on water safety can be found here – www.rlss.org.uk.

To contact the police in a non-emergency, call 101 or email 101@cumbria.police.uk.

You can call 111 for non-urgent medical advice.

Always dial 999 in an emergency – whether for police or ambulance.