Moving at risk: new security requirements put traditional festival in danger!

Moving at risk: new security requirements put traditional festival in danger!

The village community Pattscheid-Romberg-Linde, better known as "slogan", faces a serious threat to its traditional celebrations. The parade planned for July 5, which has been an integral part of cultural life in Leverkusen since 1952, could ultimately not take place this year due to new security requirements. These editions that were issued by the city are unable to implement both financially and organizationally, such as RP online reported.

The chair of slogans, Simone Neugebauer, is disappointed with the new requirements that come into force after more than 70 years. The security requirements include a full closure of Burscheider Straße, the barrier of all side streets and a large -scale detour. In addition, a detailed traffic safety plan must be created, which is required by those responsible within a very short time.

security requirements and their effects

The specific requirements also include signs of information, access protection and the provision of folder staff. The total costs for the implementation of these measures amount to over 8,000 euros, an amount that the village community cannot apply. The association was only informed about the new editions on April 16, which complicates the situation, since the complete traffic safety plan has to be submitted by May 12th.

In the past, the pageant took place without the blocking of Burscheider Strasse; The traffic could usually drive past slowly. Neubauer emphasizes that all existing security requirements have always been met and that the city's communication is criticized as poor. In particular, the period of only a few weeks is perceived by the association managers as too short to organize all the necessary measures.

dialog with the city

In an open letter, the board appeals to Mayor Uwe Richrath to take the new editions back or to start a dialogue to find a solution together. Richrath responded to the request and discussions with those responsible for the village community are already being planned. Neugebauer remains optimistic and hopes to be able to maintain the tradition of the festival.

The pageant attracts more than 150 volunteers each year who support the event. This year the association needs additional helping hands to secure the cultural highlight in the first weekend in July. As can be seen from information from Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger , it has already been emphasized that the clubs should not arise solely for the costs of the security requirements. The situation with regard to the security measures raises questions to support the city.

The tradition and the positive mood of the festival are of crucial importance for the village community. Neugebauer makes it clear that the community wants to do everything possible in order to continue to celebrate the parade and not to neglect the safety of all participants and visitors. Further information on these security requirements can be found in a comprehensive report of the German expert council for visitor reliability .