Latest news with #Martyn'sLaw
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Scotsman
Prepare to make your premises safer from terror attacks
If you don't improve venue security you may soon be prosecuted Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Last month, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn's Law) received royal assent, starting the clock on the two-year implementation period before the main provisions come into force. The legislation was prompted by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims, following a campaign by his mother, Figen Murray. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For the first time, it requires those responsible for certain premises and events at which large gatherings occur – such as sports and entertainment venues, hotels, student accommodation, and shopping centres – to consider terrorist threats and take forward proportionate mitigations. Get ready for Martyn's Law, advises Lynne Gray The UK's National Risk Register highlights terrorist attacks as one of the top risks facing the country. However, despite several inquiries and inquests reflecting the risk in findings, there was found to be a lack of consistent security outcomes across UK public locations. The legislation aims to address this, requiring those responsible for qualifying premises and events to take appropriate action (so far as reasonably practicable) to reduce the risk of harm to staff and the public, or risk enforcement which includes criminal offences for serious non-compliance. The regulations take a tiered approach around different uses of premises and the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present. Organisations need to understand if their premises or event qualifies and then consider which tier they fall within to inform duties and any required response. The legislation details publicly accessible premises within its scope, including sports grounds, entertainment venues, shopping centres and healthcare facilities. Where the public has access to premises or part of the premises, with an expected capacity of 200-799 persons, this falls within the standard tier. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An expected capacity of 800 or more takes the premises into the enhanced tier, with different duties applying. The standard duty requires appropriate public protection measures, so far as reasonably practicable. That means procedures which should be followed by people working at the premises if an act of terrorism were to occur there or nearby and which may reduce the risk of physical harm to individuals. That could be locking down premises, evacuating or moving people to safe places. Many organisations in the standard tier will already have policies and mitigations in place under other regulatory requirements, such as health and safety and fire safety. These are meant to be low-cost mitigations and there is no requirement to have physical measures in place, in contrast to enhanced duty premises. The enhanced duty requires a more proactive approach, considering counter-terrorism measures to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, both the vulnerability of premises or an event to an act of terrorism occurring, as well as the risk of physical harm to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby. That could include CCTV monitoring or installing barriers, safety glass, and bag or vehicle checks. Any procedures must be documented and submitted to the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA needs new regulatory capability to enforce the legislation, which is expected to take 24 months to establish, hence the lead-in time before the new provisions kick in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For many businesses operating qualifying premises and events across Scotland, this may be the first time they have been required to address the risk from terrorism and represents significant additional responsibilities that need to be considered as part of their activities. They should be using the next two years to understand and prepare for the legislation coming into force fully.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain
Devastated mum Figen says the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened - but reveals how she manages her grief MARTYN'S LAW My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YEAR ago today, Figen Murray hobbled in agony along Downing Street, having marched 200 miles to demand tougher terror laws in memory of her murdered son. The grieving mum, 64 — whose lad Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing — bravely pushed through the pain to reach her destination and meet with then-Opposition leader Keir Starmer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing Credit: PA 7 Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Martyn's mum Figen Murray has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia At a key summit, the Labour chief vowed new legislation to combat atrocities like the one committed by Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande gig in 2017. And he delivered on his promise, with Martyn's Law given Royal Assent last month. Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Figen has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change. The new legislation is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and will require all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to have a plan in place in the event of an attack. Figen — who was supported on her crusade by murdered MP Jo Cox's husband, Brendan — will host a party at her home in the city this weekend for Martyn's pals to celebrate victory. She says: 'Martyn loved being with his friends and having a party. 'He died while doing that eight years ago. 'This Saturday, we will all gather and have a party for Martyn at our house, next to a tree we have planted for him — we'll have drinks, talk about him and rejoice in the fact that Martyn did not die in vain. 'I feel really guilty' 'This victory will save lives, I'm sure of it. 'This law will make everyone safer, whether at a large festival or a small recital.' Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing says victims were 'failed on every level' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed Figen In an inspiring exclusive interview with The Sun, Figen reveals how she has now started having therapy, after putting her grief 'on hold' to campaign for new laws. She says: 'My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. 'I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed.' Martyn's Law will see some of the country's biggest venues use pioneering 'mass screening technology' to scan crowds and identify potential threats who will be fully searched. Figen — who says big London sports stadia, as well as Manchester venues Bridgewater Hall and the Warehouse Project, are trialling the new system — adds: 'Mass screening technology is revolutionary for anti-terror security. 'Cameras trained on customers attending a venue can screen 1,000 to 2,000 people in one hour. 'It is a piece of equipment on either side of the entrance. 'You walk over a part that has a sensor underneath, and anybody with something suspicious lights up on a computer screen being looked at by a member of security. 'They then alert staff to search that person. 'They may have identified an umbrella, but it could equally have been a knife. 'I think this technology is brilliant. 'I think it will be widely available at all big venues in the years to come and will change everything.' Coronation Street superfan Martyn, 29, was on his farewell night out in the UK before he went travelling in America when tragedy struck. Evil Abedi, 22, detonated a bomb made of explosives, nuts and bolts that killed 22 Ariana Grande concert-goers, including Martyn, and maimed 1,000. Brave Figen made it her life's goal to change venues' anti-terror laws in the wake of the horror. Last month, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber-stamped in the House of Lords. Martyn's Law will enforce anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches. 7 Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb Credit: PA 7 Figen and her husband Stuart, right, held talks with Keir Starmer last year Credit: Getty Premises that can accommodate more than 800 people will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hire more security staff. Public premises where 200 to 799 people may gather — including nightclubs, churches and concert halls — must have plans to keep guests safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location. Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes, which Figen insists will 'save lives'. I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. After his death I went to one venue and was shocked at the lack of security. I thought: 'I need to do something – this isn't right Figen The determined mum retrained and achieved a degree in counterterrorism at the University of Central Lancashire before embarking on trips around the world to speak to others affected by terror attacks. She says: 'I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. 'In the years after Martyn's death, I remember going to one venue in Manchester and being shocked about the lack of security there. 'I came away thinking, 'I need to do something, this isn't right'. 'In 2019, I started campaigning for Martyn's Law. 'I only intended it to be a six-month campaign.' The battle — aided by Survivors Against Terror founder Brendan Cox and former Met Police detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth — took its toll on Figen mentally and physically, particularly her trek from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. She says: 'It was that walk that changed everything. 'It showed we meant business and that we were not going away. I sleep a lot better. However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum Figen 'I was promised that the law would be passed by Mr Starmer, and he kept his promise. 'However, I was in agony after that walk. 'I needed a hip replacement because of it.' Figen revealed that she has started sleeping better now as she is no longer troubled by concerns about whether Martyn's Law will be passed. But she still finds it hard to nod off before 11pm — which was roughly the time Martyn died — due to her lingering 'guilt'. She says: 'I sleep a lot better. 'However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum. 'I'm not sure that will ever change.' Figen has also started seeing a grief specialist, which she had avoided so she could channel all her energy into Martyn's Law. 'Raise a glass' She says: 'My self-care has to start now. 'I feel the counselling is also in memory of Martyn. 'I feel, after our victory, it's time to now slow down, grieve and help myself come to terms with what happened.' In the last couple of years, Figen has visited venues across the country to see how they intended to implement her son's law. She says: 'I get emails and messages from people saying, 'Oh, I am a teacher at a small school and we're talking about Martyn's Law in our staff meeting now'. 7 Figen at Downing Street last year after her 200-mile trek 7 Mourners united in grief for victims Credit: Rex 'Or people will say, 'We've just been to our small local venue, and they were talking about implementing Martyn's Law.' That's amazing. 'Bigger venues have got their act in order. 'It's not rocket science, is it? 'Get your CCTV sorted in big venues, and get your access control improved and more secure, and train yourself and your staff.' Figen said she was impressed by security at Manchester's new super-arena, the Co-Op Live. She also revealed the venue she had major concerns over — that inspired her crusade but which she is not naming — has 'cleared up its act'. Everybody felt their city was attacked. They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly Figen Now, Figen wants the whole of the UK to follow Manchester's lead in already implementing steps to tighten security. She says: 'I think, when the attack happened, the Mancunians felt it as a personal attack on them. 'Everybody felt their city was attacked. 'They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly. 'I urge venues to not wait for the whole two-year implementation period. 'Terrorists could strike at any time. 'Our terrorism threat level is substantial, which means an attack is highly likely — so let's not forget that. 'And the general public obviously don't understand. 'They're not bothered about threat levels, because it's not on their mind. 'It wasn't on mine before Martyn died.' She adds: 'My message is, 'Don't let terrorists pick your venue to attack because you haven't done what is needed'.' Figen said the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened. She reveals: 'I remember it as if it was last night. 'It was like slow motion. 'It doesn't feel like eight years ago, and the pain has not eased off. 'I've just not had time to indulge it or feel the emotions, because I didn't allow myself to until we had Martyn's Law. But I am now. 'There's a Martin-shaped hole in my heart now — deep, deep in my soul. 'It's like the abyss of grief. 'It never goes away.' Last weekend, Figen and her family gathered to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, a show which Martyn loved. But today's anniversary will be spent reflecting quietly at home. Then, on Saturday, friends and loved ones will gather in Figen's garden for a party in Martyn's honour. The proud mum said: 'I'll do a buffet, we'll sit next to the tree that we planted in his memory and we'll raise a glass to Martyn. 'And we'll say, 'This is the year we achieved something big in your name'.'
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain
A YEAR ago today, Figen Murray hobbled in agony along Downing Street, having marched 200 miles to demand tougher terror laws in memory of her murdered son. The grieving mum, 64 — whose lad Advertisement 7 Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing Credit: PA 7 Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Martyn's mum Figen Murray has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia At a key summit, the Labour chief vowed new legislation to combat atrocities like the one committed by Islamist terrorist And he delivered on his promise, with Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Figen has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change. The new legislation is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and will require all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to have a plan in place in the event of an attack. Advertisement READ MORE ON TERRORISM Figen — who was supported on her crusade by She says: 'Martyn loved being with his friends and having a party. 'He died while doing that eight years ago. 'This Saturday, we will all gather and have a party for Martyn at our house, next to a tree we have planted for him — we'll have drinks, talk about him and rejoice in the fact that Martyn did not die in vain. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest 'I feel really guilty' 'This victory will save lives, I'm sure of it. 'This law will make everyone safer, whether at a large festival or a small recital.' Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing says victims were 'failed on every level' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' Advertisement My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed Figen In an inspiring exclusive interview with The Sun, Figen reveals how she has now started having therapy, after putting her grief 'on hold' to campaign for new laws. She says: 'My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. 'I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed.' Martyn's Law will see some of the country's biggest venues use pioneering 'mass screening technology' to scan crowds and identify potential threats who will be fully searched. Advertisement Figen — who says big London sports stadia, as well as Manchester venues Bridgewater Hall and the Warehouse Project, are trialling the new system — adds: 'Mass screening technology is revolutionary for anti-terror security. 'Cameras trained on customers attending a venue can screen 1,000 to 2,000 people in one hour. 'It is a piece of equipment on either side of the entrance. 'You walk over a part that has a sensor underneath, and anybody with something suspicious lights up on a computer screen being looked at by a member of security. Advertisement 'They then alert staff to search that person. 'They may have identified an umbrella, but it could equally have been a knife. 'I think this technology is brilliant. 'I think it will be widely available at all big venues in the years to come and will change everything.' Advertisement Coronation Street superfan Martyn, 29, was on his farewell night out in the UK before he went travelling in America when tragedy struck. Evil Abedi, 22, detonated a bomb made of explosives, nuts and bolts that killed 22 Ariana Grande concert-goers, including Martyn, and maimed 1,000. Brave Figen made it her life's goal to change venues' anti-terror laws in the wake of the horror. Last month, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber-stamped in the House of Lords. Advertisement Martyn's Law will enforce anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches. 7 Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb Credit: PA 7 Figen and her husband Stuart, right, held talks with Keir Starmer last year Credit: Getty Premises that can accommodate more than 800 people will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hire more security staff. Advertisement Public premises where 200 to 799 people may gather — including nightclubs, churches and concert halls — must have plans to keep guests safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location. Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes, which Figen insists will 'save lives'. I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. After his death I went to one venue and was shocked at the lack of security. I thought: 'I need to do something – this isn't right Figen The determined mum retrained and achieved a degree in counterterrorism at the University of Central Lancashire before embarking on trips around the world to speak to others affected by terror attacks. She says: 'I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. Advertisement 'In the years after Martyn's death, I remember going to one venue in Manchester and being shocked about the lack of security there. 'I came away thinking, 'I need to do something, this isn't right'. 'In 2019, I started campaigning for Martyn's Law. 'I only intended it to be a six-month campaign.' Advertisement The battle — aided by Survivors Against Terror founder Brendan Cox and former Met Police detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth — took its toll on Figen mentally and physically, particularly her trek from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. She says: 'It was that walk that changed everything. 'It showed we meant business and that we were not going away. I sleep a lot better. However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum Figen 'I was promised that the law would be passed by Mr Starmer, and he kept his promise. Advertisement 'However, I was in agony after that walk. 'I needed a hip replacement because of it.' Figen revealed that she has started sleeping better now as she is no longer troubled by concerns about whether Martyn's Law will be passed. But she still finds it hard to nod off before 11pm — which was roughly the time Martyn died — due to her lingering 'guilt'. Advertisement She says: 'I sleep a lot better. 'However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum. 'I'm not sure that will ever change.' Figen has also started seeing a grief specialist, which she had avoided so she could channel all her energy into Martyn's Law. Advertisement 'Raise a glass' She says: 'My self-care has to start now. 'I feel the counselling is also in memory of Martyn. 'I feel, after our victory, it's time to now slow down, grieve and help myself come to terms with what happened.' In the last couple of years, Figen has visited venues across the country to see how they intended to implement her son's law. Advertisement She says: 'I get emails and messages from people saying, 'Oh, I am a teacher at a small school and we're talking about Martyn's Law in our staff meeting now'. 7 Figen at Downing Street last year after her 200-mile trek 7 Mourners united in grief for victims Credit: Rex 'Or people will say, 'We've just been to our small local venue, and they were talking about implementing Martyn's Law.' That's amazing. Advertisement 'Bigger venues have got their act in order. 'It's not rocket science, is it? 'Get your CCTV sorted in big venues, and get your access control improved and more secure, and train yourself and your staff.' Figen said she was impressed by security at Manchester's new super-arena, the Co-Op Live. Advertisement She also revealed the venue she had major concerns over — that inspired her crusade but which she is not naming — has 'cleared up its act'. Everybody felt their city was attacked. They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly Figen Now, Figen wants the whole of the UK to follow Manchester's lead in already implementing steps to tighten security. She says: 'I think, when the attack happened, the Mancunians felt it as a personal attack on them. 'Everybody felt their city was attacked. Advertisement 'They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly. 'I urge venues to not wait for the whole two-year implementation period. 'Terrorists could strike at any time. 'Our terrorism threat level is substantial, which means an attack is highly likely — so let's not forget that. Advertisement 'And the general public obviously don't understand. 'They're not bothered about threat levels, because it's not on their mind. 'It wasn't on mine before Martyn died.' She adds: 'My message is, 'Don't let terrorists pick your venue to attack because you haven't done what is needed'.' Advertisement Figen said the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened. She reveals: 'I remember it as if it was last night. 'It was like slow motion. 'It doesn't feel like eight years ago, and the pain has not eased off. Advertisement 'I've just not had time to indulge it or feel the emotions, because I didn't allow myself to until we had Martyn's Law. But I am now. 'There's a Martin-shaped hole in my heart now — deep, deep in my soul. 'It's like the abyss of grief. 'It never goes away.' Advertisement Last weekend, Figen and her family gathered to watch the But today's anniversary will be spent reflecting quietly at home. Then, on Saturday, friends and loved ones will gather in Figen's garden for a party in Martyn's honour. The proud mum said: 'I'll do a buffet, we'll sit next to the tree that we planted in his memory and we'll raise a glass to Martyn. Advertisement 'And we'll say, 'This is the year we achieved something big in your name'.' 7 Emergency services on the scene at the Manchester Arena in 2017 Credit: PA:Press Association
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Aberavon beach festival cancelled over health and safety concerns
Aberavon beach festival cancelled over health and safety concerns Organisers running the event said they were 'absolutely gutted' Aberavon seafront (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council ) A beach festival scheduled to take place in Neath Port Talbot has been cancelled just three weeks before it was meant to begin. The Aberavon Beach Fest was set to take place on June 6, 2025, and would have seen a weekend of live bands, DJs, market stalls and family activities along Aberavon seafront. However, the announcement that it was cancelled came this week after the local authority said the necessary standard of safety and event planning documentation was not provided. The festival had initially been scaled back by its Neath-based organisers, HD Events, and was going to take place at the nearby Aberavon Green Stars rugby ground. But a council spokesperson said because of "continued concerns about safety" they would also not allow the event to take place there under the terms of the lease. Organisers running the event said they were "absolutely gutted" that it had been called off, though they added that they were still determined to make it happen in the future. They said: "We're absolutely gutted to say that our event has been cancelled. Despite having a licence in place (approved by the council) and the amazing support of Aberavon Green Stars, departments within Neath Port Talbot Council have advised them to withdraw permission. It's a heartbreaking situation, and one that's completely out of our control." Article continues below They added: "We originally moved the event from the beachfront to the Green Stars site because it was highlighted there were gaps in our paperwork and safety planning — especially around something called Martyn's Law. Safety is everything, and we knew we needed more time to get it right for a larger beachfront event. "That's why we scaled things down and moved to Green Stars — to keep it safe, manageable, and still deliver something special for the community. "Unfortunately, despite having a licence and support from Green Stars, we were advised they could no longer host the event. We're still unsure why this decision was made or why further support wasn't possible — but we respect it. "We're not here to point fingers or cause issues with the council. We just believe our supporters deserve to know why the event can't go ahead. "We truly hope to come back next year, better prepared and with even more time to plan. Thanks again to everyone who stood with us — this isn't the end." A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said: "We understand there will be people disappointed at the cancellation of this event, however Neath Port Talbot Council is not prepared to compromise where there is a risk to the safety of the public in attendance at events on its land. "The council and its partners are committed to supporting event organisers to bring a wide range of events to the area for the benefit of our residents and visitors, but it's vital the safety of the public is the top priority and that required standards are met to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. "Organisers are supported through a process designed to ensure they meet the safety and organisational standards required by the Neath Port Talbot Safety Advisory Group (SAG). This group is made up of several organisations including Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service, South Wales Police and Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. "Regarding the original proposal to hold the Aberavon Beach Fest on Aberavon seafront, the event organiser was given a number of opportunities to revise and strengthen their plans. However, they did not provide the standard of safety and event planning documentation necessary to safeguard the public or manage the wider impact of the event. "SAG representatives identified several concerns about the organiser's preparedness, and these were clearly communicated throughout the process. With fewer than six weeks remaining before the scheduled date, key information had still not been submitted. "While the council was not organising the event, it retains a duty of care when council land is used. Despite offering support over eight months, the council could not be assured the event could take place safely. As a result, the decision was taken not to grant permission for the use of Aberavon seafront. "The event organiser subsequently approached a local rugby club with a proposal to use land leased to the club by the council. Unfortunately, given continued concerns about safety and the lack of assurances that the required measures would be implemented, the council could not permit the event to proceed under the terms of the lease. Article continues below "The safety of residents and visitors must always come first. The council remains committed to supporting a wide range of events across Neath Port Talbot, but organisers must meet the necessary standards to ensure the well-being of all those involved."
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 'You reap what you sow!' Locals at war over famous flower show in quaint town after bosses blasted for getting 'too cocky'
For over 100 years it has been known as the 'town of flowers', but economic turmoil, bomb hoaxes and royal snubs mean things are far from rosy in Shrewsbury. Last week, the organiser's of Shrewsbury Flower Show announced they were cancelling this years events meaning the town will go without its flagship event for just the fourth time since 1854. The Shropshire Horticultural Society cited 'changes to National Insurance (NI) and the minimum wage' alongside rising security costs making the event unsustainable. In 2024 alone, the festival was forced to spend over £150,000 on additional security and barriers due to disruption at the 2023 event. However, furious residents and business owners have hit back at the news, accusing festival organiser's of being 'too cocky' and even suggesting that the absence of any royals at the show last year 'killed' it. The 2020s have not been kind to the event with the 2020 iteration cancelled by Covid and the 2023 addition being derailed by a bomb hoax. Although the event made a successful return in 2024, attendees complained of intense security arrangements making parts of the town unnavigable. This year's festival would have likely required even more security due to the effect of the new Martyn's Law - a new bill that require all premises with a capacity of more than 200 to ensure they have a plan in place for an attack. The cancellation seems excusable in the current economic environment, however when MailOnline visited the town this week the atmosphere of mistrust and anger towards the festival was palpable. Many hospitality businesses in the town count the long August weekend over which the festival runs as the busiest of their year. Rooms in hotels and bed and breakfasts can often be booked up years in advance, but this year, they will be empty, costing many venues thousands in lost revenue. One such business owner is Danielle Ditella, who runs the trendy bar The Loopy Shrew as well as some local B&Bs. She told the MailOnline: 'We will be losing thousands because of it, others will lose more. We are guaranteed the B&B business during the festival and some of the rooms are actually booked up a full year in advance. 'We won't necessarily get the trade back. It will really affect the town's economy. There has been a decline in the festival over the last few years, it hadn't really kept up with the times if I'm honest. 'We're the town of flowers without a flower show. I would like to think we can replace it with something else. 'The government need to wake up and see how desperate the hospitality industry is.' These sentiments were concurred by a local landlord set to be heavily affected by the lack of trade. He said: 'It's always been popular and brings thousands of people here every summer. That's a lot of people suddenly not coming to Shrewsbury every year. We're known for it and have lost our identity overnight.' Despite what outsiders might think, local feeling towards their town's signature event is far from rosy. Although they are known as the town of flowers, many locals we spoke to expressed resentment and even jubilation towards the festival's struggles due to its perceived elitist attitude. Traditionally a favourite haunt of the royal families summer calendar, 2024's edition saw no members of the family attend - a fact that was as pleasing to some locals as it was apparently distressing for organisers. 'That killed them', one man who preferred to stay anonymous said, ' every year prices would go up and up and they'd cling to this idea that they were a 'royal event'! 'You reap what you sow in the end, local people had been priced out.' Two people who will miss the flower show are Welsh couple Gillian and Wayne Llewellyn who have been attending for over twenty years and even bought a holiday home in the town to be closer. 'One of the attractions was going to the show every year. This is the county town -you've had thoughts cost wouldn't be a problem for them', said Wayne. 'Shrewsbury will suffer for this, anywhere is a security threat', Gillian added. The security threat referred to is of course the now infamous 'bomb scare' of 2023 which saw scenes of pandemonium as thousands of elderly flower enthusiasts were forced to scramble up the steep hills of the quarry after a threat was called in. West Mercia Police said it believed the 'serious threat' was a hoax however the two-day event was all but derailed. The hoax has since come part of local legend in the town. 'Everyone around here knows who called in the bomb hoax', one man tells us, 'but nobody will tell you.' The knock on effect of the hoax however saw claustrophobic security arrangements introduced for last year's show with the entire park shuttered to the public over the weekend. But many locals still believe the security costs are too convenient an excuse for the cancellation and allege darker arts were at play. One man, who refused to give his name other than 'Dave who works in hospitality' due to his reputation in the town, alleged that the ultra wealthy had clamped down on the show disturbing their weekends. He claimed: 'It's a question of funding, the government really should have stepped in. It brings so much to town, its a massive boost for the town. It will kill it, it brings in so much money in terms of hospitality and funding. 'The bomb scare element is silly, nobody would ever bomb a flower show. The security last year was over the top but locals don't think that was the reason it is gone. 'People think that the people who live in the nice houses on the river complained about the noise and crowds from the fireworks.' Despite the anger, many residents including Val and John Winchester told us they were sad that the iconic festival had been brought to its knees but said the writing had always been on the wall. Val said: 'Personally I think there's so many RHS shows around and they burned themselves trying to compete with the the others. 'They got too cocky. It became too expensive for a family to go. They were also charging trade stands an arm and a leg to even set up a pitch so they aren't coming. 'And the ones that do had to up their prices to make ends meet, one of my friends paid £5 for a Mr Whippy in there! 'The death knell was when the royals didn't come last year', John added, 'That's when you know it had properly ran out of road. 'It will have a huge knock on effect for the town obviously, it brings in a lot of money every year.' 'The security last year was ridiculous, continued Val, 'Nobody could get through the Quarry at all for the entire thing. People had to walk around the entire town to get where they needed. 'It wasn't that bad before the bomb hoax. It might be a bit far to say that person killed the town, but they've arguably killed the festival. I mean who would bomb a flower show?' MailOnline has contacted the DCMS, Shropshire County Council and the Shropshire Horticultral Society for comment.
