THE Britannia Coconut Dancers have pledged to defy a ban on their annual Easter Boundary Dance next year.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported yesterday how the troupe said that county council officials wanted to confine their dance to the pavement after problems with spectator behaviour and highway safety.

But, after a meeting of the Coconutters’ committee on Monday night, treasurer Neville Earnshaw said members had vowed to ignore that demand.

He said the group had received many messages of support, including backing from councillors Jimmy Eaton, from Bacup and Jackie Oakes, from Stacksteads.

Mr Earnshaw said: “We’ve decided to go ahead as normal. We will be sending our correspondence to the secretary of the Rossendale Events Safety Committee.

“We fully expect the police to carry out their duties as they did last year.

“Our members were shocked and surprised that we had been photographed like common criminals. We’re working with people and councillors in the town to mobilise support in our favour.”

After lengthy discussions, Lancashire Police provided 10 officers to marshal this April’s event, but said they were not obliged to do so in future.

A spokeswoman said: “Due to the significant resourcing implications in attending the numerous events and parades held across the area on an annual basis, it has become necessary for us to review all occasions where we provide policing services.

“We understand that there has always been a perception and expectation that it is the police’s role to provide resources and manage the events.

“However, this is not the case and it is the responsibility of the event organiser to ensure the safety of those attending and to undertake all stewarding and traffic management requirements.

“We are more than happy to continue our engagement with events organisers who require guidance on their responsibilities when organising a community event or parade.”