Council officials have issued a statement clarifying that a proposed charity motorbike ride was not cancelled by them after facing a barrage of criticism from bikers and residents.
Riders taking part in the annual Squires Egg Run, which raises money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, were due to head to Easingwold on Sunday.
However, the visit was cancelled after event organisers met with officials earlier this week.
Organisers said they faced last-minute demands over health and safety that they could not meet, and that the need for precautions against a possible terrorist attack were discussed.
However, Hambleton District Council has issued a statement about its involvement, saying there had been “a lot of misinformation”.
The council said: “Hambleton District Council has not cancelled it – it has no powers to do this; but through the multi-agency safety advisory group (SAG) it has issued advice to the event organisers. The SAG exists to help people with their event planning.”
It added: “The organisers of this egg run have engaged with the SAG and were told that SAG had significant concerns about the safety of the event specifically related to traffic management, the numbers of bikes coming to Easingwold and the impact on other members of the public, in particular other road users and members of the public, medical cover and planning for any ’emergency’ situation.
“All event organisers are also made aware of the risk from terrorism and are duty bound to prepare – but there has been no suggestion that there were any threats against Easingwold. SAG also offered to work with the organisers to ensure the safety of the event.
“Hambleton District Council works with the market towns through its vibrant market towns programme but it must also work to ensure safety is paramount when large groups of people are gathering.
“It also supports the work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It has not cancelled this egg run – that has been done by the organisers themselves.”
The cancellation has caused anger in Easingwold, with businesses having prepared to make the most of the influx of more than 1,000 motorcyclists.
One resident posted: “I hope that you are satisfied with yourselves for making such unreasonable last minute demands that have ensured Easingwold will not be this year’s destination for the Squires Egg Run.
“Not only have you denied local businesses and traders some much needed income and support, you’ve also guaranteed that the charities and good causes which benefit from such a massive event will be impacted too.”
The ride will still go ahead however with riders invited to go on a 25-mile circular route starting at the Squires Cafe in Sherburn-in-Elmet.
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A fundraising party will still take place in Easingwold from noon onwards, with an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment and refreshments available.
Several businesses say they will still welcome any bikers who decide to ignore the cancellation and head for Easingwold as originally planned.
The York Hotel said in a post on social media: “The York in Easingwold will still be open for ALL bikers who are still planning to come to Easingwold regardless of the event being pulled due to health and safety.
“There will still be Porkies Hog Roast outside The York ready to cater for everyone. Hopefully we will see some of you on Sunday, have a safe, fun ride.”
The Squires Egg Run has been running for more than a decade.
In recent years, bikers have headed to Malton, but Easingwold was chosen as the 2019 destination.
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