THIS year's Thornton Cleveleys' gala has been forced to abandon its traditional route because of speed bumps.

Much to the disappointment of Burn Naze residents, the procession will not pass by their doors as usual this Saturday because road humps have made the area a hazard.

It is feared the bumpy terrain could cause children to fall from the floats and be injured.

After examining various alternatives the event's organisers decided to follow police advice and re-route the parade elsewhere.

Chairman of the gala committee, Tom Croft, explained: "I am a native of Burn Naze so I am conscious residents must feel let down and dejected.

"Road humps have made the area safer but present a huge problem for children riding on the gala floats. Any type of risk is unacceptable where children are concerned."

The committee has offered to provide transport to the gala for Burn Naze regulars who are upset by the decision and members of the Burn Naze Hotel are organising a procession of their own for Saturday.

Tom Croft said: "I'm sure all wish them well on the day. I hope people will overcome any bad feeling against the Gala Committee and show the old spirit of past years."

The day itself promises to be full of surprises, with even organisers unsure of what to expect from floats and fancy dress.

Christine Sugden explained: "We ask people to fill in forms to tell us how they will dress but often they don't, so we're often as surprised as anyone at the efforts people make."

Those involved in floats are also keeping their designs secret hoping to out-do the competition.

This year's Gala Queen is 12-year-old Lindsay Barnes of Rossendale Avenue, Thornton. Her prince and princess are Samantha Rayner and Liley Earnshaw, both six.

The route changes mean the festival will start later this year at 10.15am on Alexandra Road, Thornton, ending with a fair at the Thornton Sports Centre car park.

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