A POLICE open day, which last year attracted thousands of visitors, has been cancelled 10 days before the event because of the recent wet weather.
Northamptonshire Police were due to throw their doors open next Saturday for this year’s open day, with dog, Taser and riot demonstrations set to entertain families.
However, the force yesterday confirmed the event had now been scrapped because of the rain, and it could now be rearranged for later in the year. Police chiefs fear the playing fields at the force headquarters at Wootton Hall, which are already heavily waterlogged, will not have time to recover.
Inspector Nick Lyall said he was hopeful police would be able to reveal details of a potential new date in the future, but suggested the open day could be moved to September.
He said: “We are, of course, disappointed but the majority of stands and demonstrations are held outside.
“Given the current weather conditions, the likelihood is that the ground will be too wet to accommodate large numbers of people both safely and comfortably.”
“We are already planning to reschedule the event in September as it has proved so popular and we will be confirming a date in the next couple of months.
“We have made the decision now rather than nearer the time to avoid any further disappointment.”
Organisers had planned armed response vehicle and dogs demonstration, a petrol bombing scenario, off-road motorbike demonstration, stun gun demonstrations, an emergency response scenario, a mock trial, as well as a demonstration by the collision investigation team.
They had also planned to include historic police cars and an array of information stands from police and other organisations.
Further information about possible future dates for the force open day will be publicised when it becomes available.