THE biggest event in Oxted's calendar has been moved due to "out of control" drinking.
The annual Oxted Rotary Pram Race, which attracts about 2,000 spectators each summer, will be held on a Sunday this year – because revellers get "dangerously" drunk on a Friday.
With dwindling numbers of volunteers to keep the crowds in order, organisers believe holding the event on a Sunday afternoon will mean less binge drinking.
A source told the Mirror: "It has become an event that is almost dangerous and it has changed over the years to be seen as more of an alcohol-fuelled event.
"It needs to go back to being a good old family, community event without the worry of underage drinking in the park or binge drinking by spectators."
The race has been running in the town for more than 30 years.
"It is now a large event and a small committee of ten people – 100 marshals on the night cannot contain such a massive happening," added the source.
"The alternative is to stop the event altogether. It is a charity event first and foremost."
But the date change – to Sunday, July 14 – has already sparked a backlash from members of the community.
A Facebook campaign page has been set up in protest, calling for a change back to the Friday.
A post this week stated: "If this campaign gets going and the organisers, council and the police get to see it then it would help get the views across on how unhappy the local communities are with the decision.
"Yes, it is probably too late to do anything about this year's, but if we can do something to change the event for the future and make it an even better event then that has got the public voice out.
"The organisers do put in a lot of hard work and we thank them for that, but on this I do believe that the community has not had its fair share of a voice in the decision."
Last year the race attracted 200 prams and raised almost £10,000 for Oxted charities, schools, and organisations.
The organising committee sent out a statement on Monday, defending the change of date.
It read: "For the event to continue then it needs to change.
"Sustainability is what is important to us as a committee and for the community – at the present time it has grown too big to manage and the small committee of people who do organise it do so under increasing pressure of red tape, constraints and inability to find enough marshals.
"We are aware changing to a Sunday will not suit everybody. However, we feel that a daytime event by definition will be easier to manage.
"It will be easier to find marshals as more people will be freer on a Sunday rather than rushing back from work on a Friday. Being a Sunday afternoon, people will be able to enjoy the whole day at a leisurely, relaxed and chilled pace."
To volunteer, e-mail info@oxtedpramrace.co.uk
What do you think about the date change? E-mail your views to editor@surreymirror.co.uk
